Jonathan Berkowitz Connects Dietary Links to the Holiday Blues

TEANECK, NJ, December 23, 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.com.
For more information about his services visit http://www.familiesheal.com.

Jonathan Berkowitz received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Queens College in Flushing, New York in 1994. Following studies at the Long Island University, Jonathan Berkowitz became a certified school social worker and school Psychologist in 1997. Jonathan Berkowitz earned a Masters of Clinical Social Work from New York University in 1999, and later was recognized as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). In 2000, Jonathan Berkowitz was issued a Post Masters certificate in Early Childhood and Adolescence Psychotherapy. Jonathan Berkowitz obtained Post Masters certification in Gestalt Therapy from the Gestalt Association of Psychotherapy in New York City in 2002.

It was while Jonathan Berkowitz was studying at Queens College that he served in the Brooklyn Public Schools as a special Education Instructor from 1993-1994. Jonathan Berkowitz also served as a school Psychologist and Social Worker in Brooklyn with the Board of Education. Additionally, Jonathan Berkowitz did an internship in social work at Maimonides Psychiatric Outpatient in Brooklyn.

During 1999 and 2000 Jonathan Berkowitz worked as an outpatient social worker, MSW, CSW at New Hope Guild in Brooklyn, New York. Jonathan Berkowitz served as Administrative Assistant, MSW, and LMSW at Fordham Tremont Center in Bronx, New York during 2003-2004. Additionally, Jonathan Berkowitz offered his services as Clinical Social Worker, MSW, and CSW to the Jewish Board of Family & Children Services in Brooklyn, New York from 2002 through 2006.

During 2004-2005, Jonathan Berkowitz worked at the Bikur Cholim Department of Clinical Services in Rockland, New York as Administrative Director, MSW, and LMSW. Jonathan Berkowitz currently maintains a private practice in Teaneck, New Jersey focusing on children, adolescents, couples, and families.

To contact Jonathan Berkowitz, call 646-338-5424 or email berkj1517@yahoo.com. For more information about his services visit http://www.familiesheal.com.