Being fit is more than just physical fitness; it is also a state of mind, because mental health is very important to our overall health. This is especially significant during the holiday season because we can go through a variety of emotions. Happiness, excitement, sadness, grief, loneliness and anger are just a few of the feelings many persons experience at this time of year. 
Of course, not everyone will experience all of these emotions, but everyone will feel one or more of them throughout the season. The fallout is a possible increase in emotional eating.
The primary purpose of food is to provide nourishment and keep the body healthy and strong. Our ancestors ate food to survive, often just once a day. That has changed. Today many people live to eat and do so continuously throughout the day. People eat because they like food. And, believe it or not, the society is one of emotional eaters. What people eat, when they eat it and how much of it they eat, depends not on whether they are hungry or not, but on how they feel at that particular time.
Food is rich and plentiful at this time of year, and it is easy to overindulge. Wherever there is a gathering of family and friends, food is involved and people tend to eat a lot when they are happy. Mindlessly, as they bask in the love and fellowship of the day they keep refilling their plates and cups. They would be urged by loved ones to try this or that dish and might not want to make them unhappy by refusing.
Every movie or commercial you have ever seen of the jilted man/woman reaching into the refrigerator for food or ice cream is based on fact. People tend to overindulge to ease the pain. In addition, loneliness can cause persons to turn to food for companionship.
Then there are those who willfully eat more because it is the holidays and the thinking is that they will gain weight no matter what, but will go on a diet in January. With that in mind, no matter how hard they try not to, they give in to temptation and eat more than they probably should.
Higher in fat
Holiday and party food is usually higher in fat, calories and sodium, so they do the body more harm than good. Therefore, it is especially important to be mindful of what you are eating, more so if you can identify with any of the above.
While this advice is too late for the spread you had at Christmas, you can certainly start cutting back from today. The holiday season ends January 6, and between today and then, there are bound to be family gatherings and parties. If you go to a party, spend more time talking than eating. It normally takes 20 minutes before the brain receives the signal that the body is full. More talking will mean less eating, and less calories consumed.
There is also a very good chance that you might eat more high-fat and high-calorie food if you are alone or sad or both. If that is the case, go to the party or refrain from keeping holiday food in the house.
You can also:
- Channel those sad feelings into a workout.
- Avoid situations (and people) that provoke sadness.
- Help others less fortunate by volunteering at charities and shelters.
- Get some sun. Sunlight, full of Vitamin D may help boost your spirits.
- Cut back on commitments. Having too much to do can be overwhelming and stressful.
No matter what your mental state is, don’t forget to exercise. Burning those extra calories is key. The holidays can bring out a variety of emotions, but it’s important for everyone to remember that your mood can have a significant impact on your health. Keep your emotions in check this holiday season. Your body will thank you.
Stay tuned, friends.
If any of you have fitness goals and need personal training or meal plans I can help. Email: emmersoncampbell@gmail.com or call 661-5954. Serious enquiries only.
