Holiday weight gain is the gift that keeps on giving. While the typical weight gain during the end of the year is only a pound or two, a few of us are packing on enough pounds to rival our holiday turkey.
The strategy most people take is to eat whatever they want during the holidays, with the thought that they can quickly lose those extra pounds in the New Year. A much better approach is to try and not gain weight in the first place.
Scientists who research holiday weight gain have discovered two things:
The first is that over half of typical yearly weight gain occurs during the holidays. This means that in the last six weeks of the year most of us add at least a pound or two. Another study in college students found that even when there was little weight gain, body fat tended to increase while lean mass was lost — so just looking at weight might understate the problem.
Researchers also noticed that weight gain affected people of higher weight disproportionately. That is, the more people weighed to begin with, the more weight they gained during the holidays. In one study, 14 percent of overweight and obese people gained five pounds.
The first is that over half of typical yearly weight gain occurs during the holidays. This means that in the last six weeks of the year most of us add at least a pound or two. Another study in college students found that even when there was little weight gain, body fat tended to increase while lean mass was lost — so just looking at weight might understate the problem.
Researchers also noticed that weight gain affected people of higher weight disproportionately. That is, the more people weighed to begin with, the more weight they gained during the holidays. In one study, 14 percent of overweight and obese people gained five pounds.
All of this is no surprise to anyone who has ever sat down at a festive table. It has been estimated that the average holiday meal can contain a shocking 4,500 calories and 220 grams of fat; that is more than two days worth of calories (for most of us) in a single meal.
The Key is Maintenance
While a pound or two of weight gain may not seem like a lot, it actually is because most people don’t lose that weight later. In this way, holiday weight gain becomes permanent weight gain (and this is the real problem). It is much easier to avoid weight gain during the holiday season than it is to gain the weight and try to lose it later.
Let’s celebrate weight maintenance, particularly at this time of year! Maintenance is the first victory; it is a clear indication that you are doing some things right. Have a good game plan, including dietary changes, physical activity, and other healthy habits – like setting goals, monitoring your progress, and learning how to address your challenging situations.
Many people find it helpful to have the support of a group. The Internet makes that easy! I like the example of the “don’t gain a turkey” group on Facebook, set up to help people to keep the weight off this season.
I would love to hear what you all are doing to keep your weight the same or even lose weight. Please comment below!
Info thanks to Shaklee Health Wise Blog.
Have a healthy and productive holiday season!
MJ
Shaklee, providing natural weight loss solutions since 1957: http://weightloss180.info or See Shaklee 180 at http://mjshealthyway.com
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