Are You Always Hungry?

Plus, stress-management strategies for the holidays

Author

Yasmine S. Ali, MD
December 13, 2023

Hello again!

In this week’s newsletter, I’m including an article on “Why Am I So Hungry?”—an issue that we all face from time to time! You’ll also find some good tips for stress-management and self-care strategies for this holiday season.

If you’re a Premium subscriber, I’ll be doing the random drawing for 2 free cookbooks this week, and will contact you by email if you’re a winner!

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To your health,

Yasmine S. Ali, MD

Weekly Heart-Health News: The Highlights

Why Am I So Hungry?

Is your appetite revved up because of exercise, stress, a bad day… or something else? Find out from WebMD what’s really driving your hunger.

www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-why-hungry

My Take:

Many of us (including myself, at times!) struggle with this, and it’s especially distressing when you are trying hard to be healthy and follow a good diet. This article gives a very good rundown of reasons why you might feel hungry—sometimes even after you’ve just eaten!

This is particularly top-of-mind during the holiday season, when we are surrounded by food (not all of it healthy!), under time pressure and stress, and perhaps not getting enough sleep.

Have a look at the list of reasons and see how many of them may pertain to you.

6 Strategies That Will Help You Manage Your Stress During the Holidays

The holidays can be distressing. From buying gifts to traveling, you may be feeling anxious. Here are a few strategies to help you through it.

www.cnet.com/health/mental/6-strategies-that-will-help-you-manage-your-stress-during-the-holidays

My Take:

And speaking of holiday stress …

This article has some good ideas for stress-management strategies during the holiday season. Many of them, of course, extend beyond the holidays—such as, “Embrace saying no” and “Make time for yourself,” among others.

I particularly liked the list of common self-care strategies for the holidays:

  • Go for a walk

  • Breathing exercises or meditation

  • Take a bubble bath

  • Head to the gym

  • Read a book

  • Listen to music

I try to practice all of them (except for the bubble bath—that’s just not for me, but might be for you!). I do find them to be great stress relievers. Another one, for me, is to watch a really good movie or a TV series I love. I don’t binge-watch, because I don’t like sitting too long, but one episode at a time is great!

Holiday Recipe Time!

A healthy recipe to grace your holiday table

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