Ways to eat to reduce stress

By Suzzanne Bull

The holidays are upon us. For many families, this is the time of year to enjoy eggnog, make gingerbread houses, eat turkey and stuffing and bake cookies. These holiday traditions that families share are delicious and numerous, but often they give us a yearly dose of less than healthy habits.

In fact, the holidays are a time when our nation's slow slide toward more and more unhealthy habits seems to accelerate. The reality is that today's families are getting less healthy and more out of shape all the time. The facts are grim:

- In 2004, 17 percent of children ages 2-19 were overweight, and the percentage who are overweight is increasing.

- Obesity disproportionately affects children in lower-income brackets and children of color at higher rates.

- The average child in this country spends 14 hours per week watching TV and seven hours playing video games.

- Many families say that they are too busy during the week to eat a healthy dinner together.

Our research at the YMCA shows that children and adults can successfully reverse these trends. By working with families, we have learned that change is possible when people are given small, simple targets to get started.

With these statistics in mind, and with the holiday season already in full swing, the West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA has some easy tips and suggestions to make the holidays a little better for your family's health this year:

- Eat reasonable, healthy meals throughout the day to avoid over-eating at holiday parties in the evening. Before attending a party, feed your family a substantial healthy snack. When you arrive at the party's buffet table, fill your plate just once and only choose dishes that you will really enjoy.

- Offer a variety of vegetables in addition to traditional side dishes such as stuffing or mashed potatoes at your holiday meals. It's okay to treat yourself during the holidays, but balance out the sweets with healthier fruits and vegetables.

- Stay active by doing an activity that your family finds enjoyable and convenient. It's easy to integrate fun holiday fitness ideas into your plans, such as taking your kids downtown or to the Junction to walk around and see the holiday displays. Or take your family on a stroll through West Seattle or White Center neighborhoods and have your children pick out the house with the best holiday lights. You can also visit a Christmas tree farm to get the whole family outside while picking out your special tree.

- Don't become discouraged if you miss a workout during the holiday season. The holidays are a busy time, and it's more beneficial to your family's well being to be realistic and positive about being active and healthy.

- Access healthy resources in your community. In West Seattle and White Center, families can find lots of fun and healthy things to do this holiday season. The West Seattle Farmers Market is a great place to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables with your children. Or, bring your kids to the West Seattle or Fauntleroy YMCA and participate in Kids Gym or Family Swim activities. You can also take a healthy cooking class at PCC Natural Markets in West Seattle or ask for advice on choosing in-season fruits and vegetables from knowledgeable employees at other local grocery stores.

Children can easily become overwhelmed during the busy holiday season. Eating healthy and being active as a family can help to reduce stress and anxiety and make the season more enjoyable for everyone.

Suzzanne Bull is senior director of membership, health and wellness at the West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA. For more information on programs at the YMCA, visit www.westseattleymca.org or call 935-6000.