Nutrition Insights: Prevent Holiday Weight Gain

Studies show most adults gain at least one pound during the fall and winter, and these pounds are likely to pile up over the years. One study found that over the Thanksgiving holiday participants consumed 3,500 extra calories. Weight gain during the holiday season is something many think is inevitable but this does not have to be the case. Follow these tips for keeping holiday weight gain in check:
  • Have a plan in place for maintaining your exercise and eating habits.
  • Practice staying on your schedule of eating and exercise. Keep your routine.
  • Go easy on alcohol and treats. Balance with water consumption and extra activity.
  • Practice non-food related activities, such as ice skating, volunteering or build a snowman instead of eating as entertainment.
  • Support others who are practicing healthy habits during the holidays- don’t sabotage your family or friends by guilting them into over indulging.
  • Be thankful and grateful for what you do have in your life and share with others.
  • Bundle up and get outdoors. Exercise can help and one study suggested prolonged exercise in cold weatherboosts metabolism.
References: New England Journal of Medicine. 2000 March 23;342(12):861-7

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