Emotional Eating During the Holiday Season

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With Thanksgiving only a few days away, there is no doubt that the holiday season is here. As people are planning out menus, making shopping trips, and getting excited for those traditional comfort foods, we cannot deny that food is the highlight of this time of year for many. Hence, there is no wonder why the average American gains one to two pounds each year during the time from Thanksgiving to New Years, with ten percent of people gaining upwards of five pounds each holiday season. One to two pounds might not seem like a big deal to most, but the issue comes when these pounds accumulate each year because they don't get burnt off.

So this poses the question as to how to end this viscous cycle. Should we simply choose not to indulge in those savory once-a-year treats? The answer to this mystery lies in understanding why we are much more likely to consume more during this time of year and how to practice moderation and control over our intake to keep us from feeling guilty and in need for an over-the-top New Year's resolution to remedy the damage done.

Not only do the holidays bring about food that you only see once a year, but this time of the year is also a highly emotional time for many as well. Emotional eating can thrive in these situations because people feel anxiety, pressure, and some may even experience depression loneliness. When socializing with family with a tray of sweets or a bowl of chips on the table, it is hard to resist such temptations in social situations.

So how do we stop this cycle and break the emotional eating during the holiday season?

  • Try to make friends and family the focus of the holiday season instead of the food. 
  • Don't feel like you must sample everything on the table - take only what strikes your interest. 
  • Avoid filling up on foods that are available year round - select small portions of special treats. 
  • Keep snack dishes away from tables that people are socializing at to avoid subconscious snacking.
  • Limit alcohol intake - these calories add up quickly!
  • Know what triggers your emotions and use more positive methods such as exercise to control your thoughts.

Being aware of what triggers your emotions and finding more positive ways to cope with stress than eating will help you to avoid excessive weight gain this holiday season.

Gustafon, T. (2013). The holiday season: Atime for emotional eating. Food and Health. Retrieved from: http://www.queenannenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=26&SubSectionID=337&ArticleID=34944

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