When Shaye Jackson gets together with her family for the holidays, she cannot help but want to eat all the wonderful food surrounding her.
“I have a big family, so there’s a lot of food,” Jackson, senior, said. “It’s hard to eat a normal meal when all this food is front of you. I usually overload my plate and then I get seconds.”
Jackson finds her unhealthy holiday eating habits difficult to break, even when back on routine.
 “After getting used to all that food and the leftovers, it’s hard to go back to eating regular-sized meals,” Jackson said.
After eating too much food, Jackson admits to feeling sluggish and bloated. This leads her to avoid exercising during holiday breaks.
“[Thanksgiving is] my week off,” Jackson said. “I’m a pommie. I need a break and I’m too tired. I eat and then I just go to bed.”
People struggle to eat healthy during the holidays because they are off their regular schedules and routines Pamela Capp, family and consumer science teacher, said.
“There are a lot more parties during the holidays,” Capp said. “People bring food to work and school. We associate the holiday with eating.”
Some of the blame for food obsession during the holidays can be placed on the cold weather, Capp said.
“A lot of the times when it’s cold outside we tend to choose foods that make us feel good and warm,” Capp said. “These foods are usually full of carbohydrates.”
To ward off overeating, try to stay on schedule as much as possible and plan ahead. If there is a party coming up, eat a healthy meal before hand. Also, being aware of portion sizes can be helpful, Capp said.
“If you want that piece of pumpkin pie, go for it,” Capp said. “Just take a smaller piece. You cannot think you’re not going to eat sweets over the holidays. If you do over eat, try to get back on schedule the next day. One day of overeating is no reason to throw in the towel.”
Julie Tadros, KHS registered nurse, agrees with Capp; moderation is necessary to stay healthy.
“With the treats available during the holidays, it’s important to avoid them in excess,” Tadros said.
Sticking to a workout routine is suggested, even though the cold weather deters many from wanting to stay active. Tadros said having several small workouts through the day is one way to stay fit during the winter months.
“Make it a priority,” Tadros said. “Bundle up for the cold and get some exercise.”
Fitness and diet are not the only things  people should be aware of to stay healthy during the months of Yuletide greetings, Tadros said.
“In the winter months, colds and flues are much more prevalent,” Tadros said. “We are all in much closer contact and stress is higher because of school and the holidays.”
Hand washing is the number one thing anyone can do, when it comes to avoiding germs, Tadros said. Also, getting nine hours of sleep a night is vital for staying healthy.
“Get plenty of fluids,” Tadros said. “Look to minimize stress in your life, eat a healthy, well-rounded diet and go outside.  It’s okay to enjoy the fresh air.”