How to Fight the Holiday Bulge

The average American gains 4-8 pounds between Halloween and the Super bowl. In between are parties, and candy, and cookies, and every reason in the world to eat more than usual. How does one avoid gaining weight, without depriving ones self? The answer is to MOVE! You don't have to give up eating Aunt Myrtles fudge, just don't eat a pound of it-and make sure you share! If you know you are going to eat foods that are higher in calories at a party tonight, eat a lighter lunch and breakfast, then make sure you get in more exercise today and tomorrow. Walk at the mall at lunch to burn a few more calories off. Walk farther from your car. Just move more.

Another suggestion to fight the holiday weight gain is portion control. A box of Christmas cookies is not a portion. The average Thanksgiving meal equals about 3,500 calories. That's enough calories to gain one pound. Try and fill up on fruits and vegetables-and eat less of the higher calorie foods. Choose white meat, as dark meat is higher in fat and calories. Drink skim milk at meals instead of higher calorie pop. Opt for light eggnog or wine spritzers. Try using a smaller plate when eating at buffet. Stand away from the buffet table when at parties. Only go back for seconds if they are fruit or vegetable related. Try to pick things you may not eat the rest of the year. Filling up on things that you eat everyday is not an efficient use of your calories.

Finally, cut yourself some slack this time of the year. It is best to try to maintain your weight throughout the holidays, and not try to lose weight. Remember, one meal is not going to ruin your diet.