We are in the middle of the holiday season, and it’s the time of year when many people tend to gain a few extra pounds. Holiday parties and meals usually tempt people to stray from their traditional diet plans, if they have one. However, another cause for overeating around this time of the year is because of the season we’re in—winter.
A CNN article, “Why do I crave comfort foods now?”, talked about how people crave comfort foods during the winter time. For some people, this can be attributed to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Less daylight and changes in the body’s biological clock affect the chemistry of the brain and this can cause an increase in appetite and “comfort food” cravings. SAD can also cause stress and, as the name suggests, sadness. These moods may cause people to search for a “quick fix” for their emotions which can come in the form of unhealthy sweet or salty foods. It’s a way of self-medicating and although it may help their mood, it isn’t good for their waistlines. Comfort foods usually do seem more satisfying on a cold, winter day, and having a selection of comfort foods at holiday parties makes it even easier to fill up on fattening foods.
However, it’s important to remember that we should still try to eat healthy during this time. The holidays and winter-time should not be excuses for eating badly. If people continue eating healthy through the holiday season, maybe they won’t have to worry so much about dealing with the consequences in the New Year.
Vanessa T.
vthealthcomm 