Why We Eat More During the Holidays: A Look at Our Bodies and Brains

The holidays bring more than just presents and decorations. They bring food—lots of it. And let's be honest, we often eat way more than we need to. But why does this happen? It's not just about willpower. It's about our bodies and brains. Our ancestors lived in a world where food was scarce. When they found food, they ate as much as they could. This helped them survive the cold, dark winters. Today, we don't have to worry about food scarcity. But our bodies still react the same way. When we see a lot of food, we want to eat it all. It's like our bodies are saying, "Eat now, because you never know when you'll get food again. " This is why we crave comfort foods during the holidays. These foods are often high in carbohydrates and calories. They make us feel warm and happy. But they can also make us feel guilty. We often think of these foods as "bad" or "indulgent. " We feel like we need to "earn" them or "balance" them out with exercise.But this way of thinking is not helpful. It can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food. It can make us feel ashamed or anxious about eating. It can also make us forget the real reason we eat during the holidays. We eat to celebrate, to connect, and to remember. So, how can we change this? We can start by not thinking of food as "good" or "bad. " We can also try to eat mindfully. This means paying attention to our hunger and fullness cues. It means enjoying our food without guilt or shame. We can also try to eat with others. Research shows that communal eating can increase satisfaction and emotional well-being. It can help us feel connected and supported. It can also make us feel less lonely. So, this holiday season, try to enjoy your food without guilt or shame. Try to eat mindfully and with others. And remember, it's okay to indulge sometimes. It's part of being human.