It’s easy to pack on pounds over holidays
Mind your mouth and practise better eating this holiday season
You’re getting fatter!
It all started Thanksgiving weekend — and since then the numbers on the scale have been climbing, reports a new study, and they’re not stopping till New Year’s Day.
According to the Cornell University study, those extra holiday pounds aren’t going to be packed away along with the decorations. They’re going to take five months to lose.
Toronto mom Shelly Swilley, 54, hasn’t lost the three pounds she put on last year — or the year before that. “Like my Visa bill, I just keep accumulating but never losing. This year I’m on a strict management plan — not adding any pounds or debt!”
Even small increases in weight over the holidays can lead to longterm weight gain. So mind your mouth and practise better eating habits while you still can.
“Most of us consume an additional 300 calories a day — that translates to about six extra pounds by January,” says holistic nutritionist Lisa Tsakos, of nu-vitality.com.
You can bet on high-calorie party platters calling out your name at festivities — so be prepared. “A small, fibre or protein-rich snack — apple slices topped with nut butter or a quinoa and bean salad — eaten before heading out the door will help you control your nibbling at a party,” Tsakos says.
At home and work, focus on fibre and protein. “Save the bread, potatoes, crackers, alcohol and all sweets for holiday parties.”
But go easy — take just one trip to the buffet table and be picky, she says. Then move your socializing away from the buffet table.
Be realistic: It’s a good time to maintain your current weight, not to try to lose weight, says chef Jeffrey Wilfong, of Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, Ont., where he creates menus, including scrumptious desserts with a nod to healthy eating.
“I love the holidays for all the goodies,” adds Wilfong, of Steannes.com, and his guests do too — but everything in moderation is his message. “Less can be more — eating right requires eating less, but all the right things.”
So eat, drink and be merry this season — but slow it down and be mindful of what you’re taking in so that the holidays don’t leave you with a bad taste, or extra pounds, he adds.
Here are some recipes to help you successfully navigate all the calories the festivities have to offer.