Parties, Christmas meals, family gatherings and New Year celebrations – it’s that time of year again and food plays a significant role in many households around this period. A study released this month (1) looks into eating behaviour, quantity and quality of food consumed by individuals over the holiday period as well as on weekends. It is completely unsurprising that the study found that nutritional value of food consumed is lowered at weekend and holidays and more calories are consumed during holidays and on the weekends.
The study found that individuals of age 25-35, those classed as obese (with a BMI of 30 or more) and those from professional careers had a large increase in weekend calorie intakes (1). This represents a huge group of the population.
For your information:
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure often used for healthy weight, it is worked out as weight divided by height squared. To check your own BMI you may find it useful to visit the Food Standards Agency website where an online BMI calculator can be found. (generally a BMI of 19-25 is viewed as a healthy weight).
In a press release the authors of the study said (2) “Understanding eating patterns and knowing that a weekend can be just as dangerous to the diet as a holiday dinner arms consumers, doctors, and nutritionists with more knowledge to fight obesity”
Personally I think words such as ‘diet’ and ‘fight’ are not very helpful to people who are doing their best to lose weight and maintain the weight loss. In my opinion I believe that the key is to adopt a healthy balanced eating plan that is sustainable during the week and the weekends. Healthy living for life is a good moto to go by. Always ‘trying to be good’ or ‘dieting’ usually ends up with a fall, generally at weekends and holidays and can impact the body, mind and emotions. People often feel weak or as though they have ‘failed’ which can cause further problems with food and emotions, setting up a viscious cycle. Often at the weekend or during festive periods we reward ourselves with unhealthy foods in larger quantities, possibly due to denying ourselves certain foods during the week. It needen’t be this way.
Choosing health for life means not seeing food as an enemy and not punishing yourself if you occasionally slip up and let some sugar coated something pass your lips. It also means trying not to use food as a reward or comfort (which is incredibly easier to say than do).
The merry-go-round of weekend overeating and then trying to be good again on Monday is psychologically tough as well as tough on the body, weight and metabolism. I don’t think there is anything wrong with wanting to reward ourselves at the weekend after a tough working week. However, perhaps it is time to choose rewards that are nourishing to the body and the mind. Being really kind rather than punishing the body with unhealthy, junky food or extra portions could make a considerable difference to the waistline as well as feelings of happiness.
Everyone is different, for me a perfect gift to myself is a long walk in beautiful countryside, a visit to the coast, a good book or taking a long bath with lavender oil and no interruptions! Take some time to think about what you would really love to do. It might be a trip to the cinema or theatre, meeting up with friends, a swim or a good film. Whatever tickles your fancy! Prioritise these rewarding activities and work them into your weekends regularly. Planning ahead can be really helpful, put an activity in your diary and ensure your refrigerator and cupboards are stocked with tasty nutritious food. Traditional Christmas turkey with loads of colourful vegetables, chestnuts, cranberries and some fruit-rich pudding is a wonderful example of delicious an healthy holiday food. Take your time and really enjoy the meal, not rushing our food can actually help prevent over-eating as well as increasing enjoyment.
I wish you all a very happy and healthy Christmas and festive weekend!
(1)Khare A & Inman J. 2009. Daily, Week-Part, and Holiday Patterns in Consumers’ Caloric Intake. Journal of Public Policy & Marketing. 28 (2): 234
(2) University of Pittsburgh (2009, December 10). Are holiday and weekend eating patterns affecting obesity rates?. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 10, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091209163716.htm
Daily, Week-Part, and Holiday Patterns in Consumers’ Caloric Intake
Written by Ani Kowal
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