Healthy Holidays Blog Series Week 4: Holiday Stressors- How to Prevent Stress Eating during the Holiday Season

https://youtu.be/n09JU1ORbD4Welcome to week 4 of our Healthy Holidays Blog series where we are helping you stay on track with your health while still enjoying your favorite holiday treats this holiday season!In week 3 we discussed tips for dealing with holiday potlucks, making decisions that allow you to enjoy them without going overboard.Now that the we are getting closer to the more packed portion of the holiday season, holiday stress from having to prepare meals for the in laws, having to go present shopping, or just dealing with the stress of meeting end of the year deadlines, we are at increased risk to allow ourselves to slip into that pesky stress eating or possibly having an extra glass of alcohol in the evenings to “take the edge off.” With all of these challenges arising, for week for we have tips to help you prevent stress eating and/or drinking during the holiday season!

1. Be mindful of your stress- take a chance to stop and reset! Be aware when stress is increasing and utilize healthy techniques to catch it and reset rather than handling it with food or alcohol.
2. Get enough sleep! Even if you have more “on your plate” this holiday season, make sure you stick to a bedtime! If you are tired you are more likely to overeat to try and replace the energy you are missing from lack of sleep.
3. Identify the difference between emotional and physical hunger. Are you eating because you are actually hungry or because you are trying to relieve stress (emotional hunger you will generally notice from the chest up, come on suddenly, and the craving will not go away after eating).
4. Make sure to keep reasonable portions and healthy options most easily accessible! If the healthy option is more readily available you will be more likely to take it! Keep in mind alcohol recommendations/serving sizes as well.
5. Don’t forget to eat frequently (every 3-4 hours)! If you go too long without eating “Hangry” is a real thing. You will become more stressed more easily, won’t be as productive, and will be more likely to overeat when you do get the chance to stop for food. Keep snacks available and don’t work through your lunch break!

 Are there any tricks you use to stop yourself from stress eating/drinking? I would love to hear your ideas!Check back next week for our week 5 topic: How to Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Meal without a Turkey Food ComaIf you are looking for extra help with your nutrition and health this holiday season CONTACT US today and SCHEDULE your first appointment toward taking control of your health!Wishing you a happy, healthy, and tasty holiday season!-Ricci-Lee Hotz, MS, RDNDenver’s Dancing DietitianA Taste of Health, LLC“Improving Quality of life one bite at a time”