Resisting the Bear

Ever since we set the clocks back last week I have morphed from a healthy, energetic woman into a lumbering, sad, grizzly bear. I don’t want to get out of bed, I’m craving salty, fatty fried foods and I have zero motivation to work out or even leave the apartment.  I know that I’m not alone. My instinct to hibernate and put on that delicious layer of “winter fat” is pretty universal. That is why this time of year is known for weight gain and depression. Fa la lala la!

Of course, it’s natural to feel this way at this time of year because we are, in fact, animals.

"Keep walking, Mom...we're not done yet."

We react to the seasons and our environment just like migrating geese, nut-storing squirrels and good ol’ hibernating bears. Just because we may have larger brains and have developed the ability to drive a standard transmission doesn’t mean we’re not part of nature. Our joints ache when it’s about to rain; we are drawn to bask in the sun, we relax at the ocean; If you don’t believe that we react to forces of nature, just visit a packed emergency room during a full moon. I kid you not.

So, is time to wrap yourself in a fleece blanket and gobble up as much grilled cheese sandwiches and pecan pie as you please? Unfortunately, no. But we should listen carefully to the cues are body are giving and honor them healthfully. This way, we can get through the winter basically as emotionally and physically unscathed our families allow.

As human beings, we will always need sunlight and exercise no matter how cold and dreary it is outdoors. We thrive on it. Our bones need vitamin D and our heart muscles need cardio (even just walking) to stay strong. Having a dog is my saving grace. Whether I have the motivation for a brisk and chilly walk is irrelevant, it’s my job. But I find that if I have a purpose or some accountability, I will definitely show up for myself no matter the temperature.  So make a date with a friend for a walk on the highline, ice skating in central park, or to organize a touch football game. Or use your lunch hour run an errand at a store about 10 blocks away. Or bike to work instead of cabbing it or taking the subway. If you supplement that with some weight-bearing exercise in your warm, cozy home or in the less warm, cozy gym, you’ll be golden.

Now about food…cravings are our bodies’ way of telling us we are lacking in something. So listen carefully but don’t jump to the first conclusion. For example, sometimes when we crave salt, we are actually thirsty. If you wake up dreaming of French fries, have a nice big glass of water and maybe some tea and see if that salty urge passes after 20 minutes or so. Or sometimes it means that you need certain minerals like potassium, so try a banana. If all else fails, have some salted nuts like pistachios or almonds, a seaweed snack or an over easy egg with a touch of salt instead of something with zero nutrition like potato chips.

Indulging in fatty foods in the winter may be an American tradition, but so is overspending and invading sovereign nations – and you don’t want to participate in any of those. Craving grilled cheese is our body’s way of telling us that we should transition with the change of season and start eating hardier and more warming foods instead of the salads and smoothies of summer. And oddly enough, these are the kind of foods that Mother Nature provides to us from the earth in the winter. Root veggies like carrots, parsnips and beets provide that kind of healthy grounding energy that pizza and wings do not. Beans and dark leafy greens like kale also do their part at this time of year to provide warmth and sustenance. A bowl of freshly-made soup (avoiding the creamy ones)  will definitely satisfy that fatty urge without adding what you don’t want which is…fat.

Now, let’s tackle that desire to hibernate and isolate. Although many of you know that I am a huge proponent of sleep, too much  can throw off your sleep cycle, cause insomnia, and can exacerbate depression. I may want to pull the covers over my head and get an extra hour (or two) of sleep at this time of year, but when I do I’m often listless and cranky for the rest of the day instead of rested and energized. That’s because there’s a difference between sleepiness and fatigue. If you get up and move around and you’re still tired…then you are actually tired. If you force yourself to get up and you feel normal after 10 minutes or so, then you were just sleepy.

So now that you’re up is it up is ok to plop back down on the couch and settle in for a long winter’s marathon viewing of Homeland or Scandal? Uh…again, no. During the winter, we’re not running around with tons of social engagements etc., but we still need to keep our minds busy, and not numbed by passive entertainment (well, not all the time.) This is a great time to get organized (oh, I get such a thrill even thinking about organization, but that’s just my sickness!) Clear out a closet, put together a new photo album, or rearrange your kitchen cabinets or desk. It’s also the perfect time to catch up with old friends via the phone or letter. I would warn not to do this last task electronically lest you be pulled into the digital abyss of Facebook, games and online shopping.

Or you could learn a new skill/hobby like jewelry-making or knitting, or vegetarian cooking (hey, I made that necklace to the left.) You don’t even need to leave the house…there’s tons of online videos to coach you. Perhaps, it’s time to write that novel or short story you recite in your head when you should be listening to your husband.

But, of course the danger in the above activities is isolation: the insidious precursor to the winter blues. It’s challenging to feel connected and engaged when all you favorite people are holed up in their comfy nests. So we need to fight that. If you don’t want to get dressed in heels and a cute top and venture to some cavernous, noisy restaurant when it’s 35 degrees out, then offer to host something at your place. A game night, a soup-tasting, a clothing swap or even a tea party are fun and warming ways to bond with friends without venturing outdoors or spending a lot of money earmarked for holiday gifts or that much-needed Caribbean escape in February.  Don’t feel like cleaning your house in preparation for guests? Then encourage a friend to host. Or at least meet at a nearby movie theater or museum.

There’s a reason why gyms sit and wait for us fat turkeys to waddle in come January.  It’s common to eat our way through the holidays and snuggle on the couch transfixed by Carrie and Brody’s failed attempts to bring the truth to light, but it’s not natural. No matter what the calendar says, we still need to eat well, move our bodies and connect to one and other. That being said, it’s ok to indulge on occasion during holiday celebrations. Even a squirrel gets lucky with a forgotten Twix bar now and then.

Please feel free to share your healthy holiday tips with me.

PS. I just made that carrot soup pictured above - if you're interested, I'll send you the recipe.