Research shows that most of the weight we gain in one year’s time occurs between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. That same research also shows that we don’t lose that weight when the holidays are over. Tammy Roberts, nutrition and health education specialist with University of Missouri Extension says “With planning and a little bit of discipline, we can prevent that holiday weight gain and some of the chronic conditions that are associated with being overweight.”
Most people think the average weight gain for the holidays is 5-10 pounds. “Believe it or not, we actually only gain an average of one pound during the holiday season” says Roberts. One pound may make it seem worth it to over-indulge during the holidays but Roberts says you should really think twice about that. “The problem is that we don’t lose the one pound that we gain during the holiday season and that adds up year after year.”
Those extra pounds can lead to overweight or obesity and then it becomes a threat to our health. Overweight and obesity contribute to two of our most prevalent chronic diseases; diabetes and heart disease.
The words of Ben Franklin many years ago still ring true. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If we can manage not to gain weight during the holidays, we never have to worry about losing it. For your health, Tammy Roberts suggests that you consider these tips for eating as you approach the holiday season:
•When you go through a buffet line, take small portions and eat slowly. Then, stay far away from the food table. It’s too tempting if you are near.
•When you go to a party, prepare and take your favorite low-calorie dish.
•If you are going to a gathering where you know there will be a lot of food, plan on filling at least half of your plate with fruits and vegetables.
•Think fun! It is fun to get outside and go for a brisk walk or go to the skating rink or bowling alley. Plan an outdoor scavenger hunt for the family. These activities will all help burn those holiday calories.
The good news is that it is only one pound; the bad is that we don’t lose it. The bottom line is if you make a plan for your holiday eating and add some activity you shouldn’t have to worry about even one pound of weight gain.
