Jonathan Berkowitz Connects Dietary Links to the Holiday Blues
Depression during the holiday season is a classic problem. Jonathan Berkowitz is a licensed clinical social worker with a solution.
- Philadelphia, PA-NJ (1888PressRelease) December 22, 2010 - Decorations are up, seasonal music is playing everywhere and folks are shopping for eagerly anticipated gifts. Amidst the joy and merrymaking, the hustle and bustle can be stressful. Jonathan Berkowitz's research and experience as a licensed clinical social worker has once again verified that festive food and holiday activity can be overwhelming and dispiriting for many persons. Jonathan Berkowitz also notes that crowded shopping centers, sold out presents and the unique dynamic of family visits makes life during the holidays more demanding than the rest of the year.
Though it may sound unlikely, one of the biggest culprits responsible for holiday depression is food, according to Jonathan Berkowitz. Citing data from doctors at the University of Maryland Medical Center who have discovered that bouts of holiday depression are often rooted in physiological as well as psychological causes, Jonathan Berkowitz states that with so much more food around during the holidays, people tend to eat larger quantities of less healthy food, more often. Holiday parties are overrun with decorated cookies, pastries and candies. Jonathan Berkowitz adds that sugar highs are invariably followed by sugar lows, leading to an artificially depressed mood and a craving for more sugar. Compound that with fatty foods and holiday cocktails, and Jonathan Berkowitz explains to clients that the holidays can really disrupt the body's normal rhythms.
Jonathan Berkowitz also recently reported that the sugars found in alcohol and sweets are false boosts of energy that wear off very quickly, disrupting metabolic stability. Additionally, Jonathan Berkowitz collated data from medical research in Boca Raton, Florida, that identified hormonal imbalances triggered by the metabolic disruption of excessive holiday foods. "These seasonal metabolic disturbances," said Jonathan Berkowitz, "directly interfere with a person's ability to process the extra stimuli that come with the holiday season."
Professionals like Jonathan Berkowitz have pointed to the fact that it is easy for the holiday season to degenerate into a glorified eating contest. People get caught in an eating cycle, having their typical three meals as well as holiday treats supplied by co-workers that want to brighten up the workweek and friends hosting seasonal parties. To avoid this, Jonathan Berkowitz recently recommended a few favorite foods that will characterize the holiday feasting.
"Stick to these holiday favorites to avoid going overboard," stated Jonathan Berkowitz. "For example, if eggnog is on your list, keep sugar cookies off the list."
If a treat comes along that is not on your list of holiday favorites he recommended taking a pass on it. According to Jonathan Berkowitz, the key is to strike a balance, allowing some indulgence while avoiding deprivation. In other words, be very picky about the sweets and treats during the holidays. Jonathan Berkowitz encouraged planning meals and packing healthy snacks for busy days, and said that choosing what to eat is markedly different from eating what is available.
"What happens when a person arrives famished at a holiday party after they've been shopping, visiting family and wrapping gifts all day?" Jonathan Berkowitz was asked. He pointed out that the person will likely start indiscriminately eating anything in sight."
Jonathan Berkowitz's professional suggestion to clients and friends is that they maintain energy during the holidays by eating healthy snacks during busy times. Foods like vegetables and lean proteins will give lasting energy, explained Jonathan Berkowitz, rather than the sugary foods that only catapult people into the next craving-induced treat binge.
Jonathan Berkowitz has also advised his clients to make a point of drinking enough water during the holiday season. With all of the travel, planning events, working extra hours and hosting guests, it can be easy to overlook drinking enough water in the day, and unhealthy. "When people are too busy," added Jonathan Berkowitz, "they can mistake the brain's thirst signal for hunger. Reaching for the nearest treat may briefly bounce energy back up, but it will not quell thirst." During the holidays, Jonathan Berkowitz suggests drinking 10 glasses of water per day.
Jonathan Berkowitz is a licensed clinical social worker with a private practice in Teaneck, New Jersey that focuses on children, adolescents, couples, and families. To contact Jonathan Berkowitz, call 646-338-5424 or email berkj1517 ( @ ) yahoo dot com dot
For more information about his services visit www.familiesheal.com.
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