Avoiding holiday weight gain
November 11, 2011
The combination of end-of-the-semester stress and the holidays can set some student parents up for weight gain during this time of year. After all, many of us admit to eating to deal with stress, and the holiday time can be stressful for any busy parent who's also pursuing a college education.
"You've got the stress of the holidays, along with a lack of sleep, and, for many, a cauldron of bubbling emotions coming to the surface - and you've got all this food beckoning you at every turn," clinical psychologist Dr. Warren Huberman told WebMD.
But there are ways to avoid packing on a few extra pounds before the end of the year. According to nutrition experts, it's important to recognize that all of the little splurges individuals take on a daily basis can quickly add up and result in extra weight.
The best ways to avoid gaining weight during the holidays and throughout the year is to eat a healthy diet and exercise on a daily basis. While this is definitely easier said than done for most people, it can even be more of a challenge for student parents who are busy balancing school and family obligations.
Keeping a food journal often helps individuals keep track of what they're eating and can help them to cut back when they're indulging too much. It's okay to try things, just not everything!
Exercise can be incorporated into your daily activity in small increments. For instance, take 15 minutes out of your lunch time and take a brisk walk with a friend. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Take the family out for a short bike ride before or after dinner. Utilize your school's student fitness center for some study time - get on the treadmill or elliptical trainer and go over notes or read while you exercise.
If you're invited to holiday parties, make sure to eat a healthy meal beforehand to avoid eating fattening foods while you're there. If you have to bring a dish, make it something healthy, like veggies with a low-fat dip. And, don't overindulge in alcohol, as it often contains a lot of empty calories and may cause you to eat more. (You'll wish you didn't have it the next morning when you have homework to do and kids to care for as well!)
One thing you don't have to stress over during the holidays - or any other time - is how valuable your education will be in the end. While researching grants, college scholarships and other financial aid options may be time-consuming, securing funding to pursue a college degree will help make your dreams come true.
