Here’s how to tackle one of the biggest sources of holiday stress

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year. It’s a part of the year that most people anticipate with excitement. Unfortunately, the time period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can also be stressful for some people.

One of the biggest sources of this holiday stress might surprise you.

Weight gain.

It’s not unusual to pack on the pounds over the holidays — it doesn’t help that the holiday season is prefaced by the candy powerhouse Halloween. With that weight gain comes guilt and stress. Fortunately, health and nutrition experts say there are some simple and effective ways to avoid stressing out about food this holiday season.

For starters, this is not the time to start a new diet. Instead, focus on maintaining your weight and making wise food and beverage choices. At the next holiday party, start with the veggie tray rather than the sweets. Don’t eat foods you don’t enjoy or pressure yourself to clear your plate at a family dinner. And watch those high-calorie beverages, such as eggnog! You may be surprised by the fat and calorie content of your favorite drinks. If you are hosting, plan holiday meals and snacks in advance so that you can provide healthier choices for yourself and others. They will thank you!

You may be tempted to skip a meal to save room for that amazing dinner buffet your friend has every year. Don’t do it! A better strategy: Eat a small nutritious meal before you go to an event that features high-calorie holiday foods.

You don’t have to eliminate treats altogether, so don’t deny yourself the pleasure of eating the holiday foods and treats you enjoy the most. How depressing! Instead, practice mindful eating. Savor each bite and eat slowly.

And don’t forget self-care. Exercise plays an important role in avoiding holiday weight gain and managing stress. If you have an exercise routine, keep up with it during the holidays. Don’t exercise regularly? Working even a 15-minute walk into your day can help you avoid packing on pounds and make you feel much better. Another option is to be active together. Start a holiday tradition of playing football or taking a family hike. Perhaps you can take an evening stroll through the neighborhood to look at holiday decorations. That exercise will also help you sleep better. Getting plenty of rest is important to help reduce stress and to help you resist snacking.

It’s essential to remember that the holidays are about so much more than just our waistlines. While it’s important to make healthy choices, it’s equally vital to focus on family, friends, fun, and yes, the delicious food too. These moments are about creating cherished memories, sharing laughter, and strengthening bonds. Food is a beautiful part of these celebrations, and it’s meant to be enjoyed without guilt. So, let’s savor the flavors, relish the company, and embrace the joy of the season, knowing that balance and happiness are the true measures of a successful holiday season.