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...but it's a pound you may never lose.
In a recent article published by Consumer Reports, they announced that the majority of people surveyed expected to gain 4 to 5 pounds over this holiday season. Not so, says the National Institutes of Health. Statistically only 10% of us will gain in the 4 to 5 pound range. The rest will be about one pound heavier. That's the good news! The bad news is that it probably won't go away after the holidays. This is all due to what we have come to know as "middle age spread" or the long term accumulation of weight as we age.
But, let's be realistic, no one wants to think about dieting over the holidays. We'd rather put it off until January when we have more time. Yea, right! Trying to lose weight is much more difficult than avoiding excess calories altogether. So what's the answer?
Let's look at it this way - one pound of body weight equates to about 3,500 calories. Over the six week holiday period, that's not much! If you avoid adding those extra calories to your regular diet, you don't gain the pound. But that's no fun, you say! You'd have to skip all the holiday fun and parties. Not so!
Make wise choices in your holiday food consumption. Don't be frustrated, enjoy moderate amounts of the foods you enjoy, avoid the high-fat snacks, and don't forget to exercise.
1. Before parties, don't starve yourself! Eat low calorie meals with fruit and yogurts before leaving home. That way you won't feel starved when you get to the buffet.
2. If you're throwing the party, make sure you include strawberries, kiwi fruit, spinach salads and wedges of oranges and other fruits as healthy alternatives.
3. Easy on the alcohol! Each 12 oz. beer is equal to 140 calories. A 5 oz. glass of wine is 100 calories. Decide ahead of time how many drinks you will consume and stick to that decision. Volunteer to be designated driver and avoid alcohol altogether.
4. Avoid stress and if you are a compulsive eater when nervous, limit yourself to fruits and unbuttered popcorn. Relax with a little exercise in the form of long walks or playtime with pets or children.
5. Celebrate by talking to friends and avoid eating to be social. Fill your plate once at the buffet and then mingle with friends and loved ones as you nibble.
6. Exercise and stay active as much as possible. Look for opportunities to chat with friends while going for a walk. Enjoy the company of your children by playing catch or other games.
Next Holiday Season, avoid those 3,500 calories, and visit Fitness USA three times each week. |
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