Here we are, post-Thanksgiving, pre-Christmas and everybody in an uproar to shop, shop, shop!  I hope your “Black” Friday didn’t put you in the “red”!  I also hope the coming Holiday has not stressed you out, yet.  I happened to catch a news story on the psychological impact the mailings, advertisements and talk concerning “Black Friday” have on our shopping.  Apparently, all of that changes the way we actually behave.  Being around the shopping frenzy causes people to buy more than they need and more than they planned to spend. The commentator was discussing the hoard mentality that ensues.  And what follows that buying spree?  Guilt. Remorse. Frustration. Depression.  What interests me is the similarities between the buying behaviors and food behaviors!

This is the time of year for plentiful parties, plentiful foods and beverages, and the plentiful temptation to eat more, drink more and party more.  This is a great time to gather with friends, family and loved ones. Unfortunately, our health often takes a back seat this time of year.  What happens when the party’s over?  Many have feelings of guilt, remorse, frustration, and depression as the New Year rolls in.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying we should not party.  I’m simply saying we need to be not only fiscally responsible this time of year but health responsible also!  Many of us set budgets for the amount of money we will spend.  We can do the same thing for the amount of food we choose.  We could budget for the type of foods also.  For example, our budget for fruits should be higher than our budget for sweets or alcohol.  You can try these simple tips to help you maintain your health throughout the Holiday Season:

• Make time to exercise.  Enjoy the sights and the sounds of the Holidays.  Weather too frightful? Walk in the mall…keep your money at home to keep the buying temptation down!
• Focus on the people not the food! Mingle, talk and reminisce with friends.
• Sit down every time you eat something.  Even if it’s “just one cookie”!  Sitting down will help you to slow down and be more mindful of your food.
• Don’t mingle near the food tables.  That can be a source of mindless eating causing us to forget just how much we really ate.
• Don’t skip meals to “prepare” for a party.  Eat a small balanced meal with fruits and vegetables.  Doing this will help to keep you from feeling famished and causing you to overeat.
• Think about your drink.  Holiday beverages can be packed with hundreds of extra calories.  Limit the amount you drink.  Better yet, choose calorie free drinks (water rules here).  If you do choose alcohol, drink water between to help reduce the total amount you drink.  The extra water will hydrate you and can protect you from the dreaded post-party hangover!
• Offer to bring a party platter.  Fill your platter with fruits or vegetables.  The host or hostess will appreciate the foods and you will have something to choose from that is nutrient-rich!

Nutrition Pair wishes you all a Happy, Healthy and Safe Holiday Season!

It’s Your Health. It’s Your Life. Make That Change!

~John