Make this Christmas one to remember
Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a mouse! And do you know why? Because everybody was sitting in front of the television, moving only to reach for the remote control and only talking to ask for the biscuit tin.
Does this sound familiar? Where you’re sitting watching Elf for the 12th time just because it’s on! Now I’ve nothing against Elf – it is a great movie! But admit it, that’s not really spending time with your family is it?
On any ordinary day, watching a lot of television will affect your weight. Not only is it a sedentary behaviour, but it is one which actually contributes to overeating. If you eat as you watch television you aren’t paying attention to what you are eating and that in turn affects your memory of what you did ate. What this means is that you genuinely forget that you have eaten what you have and as you don’t remember, you allow yourself another treat or snack.
TV is also a passive activity, as well as sedentary. In other words, not only are you not burning calories doing it, but there’s no genuine interaction. Unless you are watching something that genuinely engages you, odds are that the TV is in the corner just filling the air with noise and pictures. If you have no real interest in the show and you get a little bored. Some people will switch it off, others will pick up a book but many other people will reach for their comforter – food, to be more specific, high calorie food.
This is not a good habit throughout the year, but at Christmas the combination of sedentary behaviour and the seemingly inexhaustible supply of food is fraught with even more dangers. You end up eating more and doing less.
When you think of Christmas, you think of celebrating with those we love. It’s one of the only times of the year where we can get so many members of our families together and genuinely share the experience. And yet, we share this precious time together but apart, that is in the house and split up or together but not talking. This to me seems like such a shame. Absolutely sit down together, share the biscuit tin and enjoy the television together. But time is as precious as your family, so spend it together doing something you love.
This year we’ve already got our early morning walk planned. Before dinner we are going to wrap up warm and go for a walk along the sea-front. A treat at any time! Christmas day is also a great time to get out for a walk in the park. You generally have it all to yourself and if you gather the bikes or a football, you can all share the fun.
Later in the evening, we’re hooking up a games console. I don’t play computer games, but when my family is around, I make the exception. They are a great way to have fun together with so many games for all the family. And it really doesn’t matter if you are like me and can’t play, the joys of having your whole family playing is that it’s gently competitive and the aim is never to win (well mostly!) but to have a laugh together. And I don’t mind that the laugh is definitely going to be at my expense and my inability to play 10-pin bowling.
But this year I know I’ll have fond memories of the fun we will have and the times we have shared. It will include some television and some treats, but the biggest treat of all is spending time with the ones I love.
Merry Christmas
Claire
Hi Graninemhaol, I think the thing to do is everything in moderation. Lots of us will have a week or two off over Christmas, but that doesn't mean we have to eat like it's Christmas day for the entire holiday. A splurge for the 24th 25th & 26th and then back to some healthy eating until new year’s eve. That way I know I'll enjoy all the goodies on those days and get back on track for the New Year. I'll be in the park on Christmas day with the dog and kids if they get out of bed. Happy holiday.
Comment by DEBORAHMORRISSEY48 -
Interesting that you mention the being together but not being together phenomenon - separate parts of the house. Yes, actually enjoying the food is a good tip, not being tormented about it. I find on days when I think I eat less because I am out of routine and snacking instead of having proper platefuls at proper mealtimes, I eat more pointless calories while being hungry all the time.
Comment by GRAINNEMHAOL -