October is the beginning of the sugar insanity starting with Halloween, growing stronger with Thanksgiving, and exploding during the December holidays. I live out in the country now and don’t have to deal with Halloween, but when I did, I only bought things I hated, like Smarties. Then I actually got through relatively well, in fact very well, with Thanksgiving at my daughter’s by making a couple low carb options that were really good, so I didn’t feel deprived. Christmas was a bigger challenge, for we left that day for a vacation, and I did have a few slips during that week.
On top of the holiday madness, the days are growing shorter, and many people develop Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, that is usually a mild form of depression caused by lack of sunlight. And that often leads to cravings for comfort foods. If you get outside for even 10-15 minute walk, this will abate the worst of SAD.
Lastly, there is the biological drive to do less, stay in the cave, as it were, and stoke up on carbs for the winter. I remember feeling this very strongly in my 20s-30s, and for years it mattered little, for in my younger days I would put on 5-7 pounds then drop it quickly in the spring and summer. I still have the urge to go in my cave with a good book and roaring fire, but I go lower carb during this time to control cravings, which I find very helpful.
Awareness is the biggest key to making sure we don’t find ourselves eating things we will regret before the day is out, or giving in to the abundance we have to see through this season. You know that old saying: Forewarned is forearmed.
This is my favorite season in all other ways, so I take heart that now I’ve also got the keys to a happier holiday season which will allow me to enjoy the family feast and celebration times without being miserable after the fact.
Yours in never giving up,
Nan aka Sugarbaby
Sugaraholics 