Nutrition Information

Top Ten Ways to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain


Did you know the average American gains 5-7 pounds every year between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day? That equates to ingesting at least 17,500 more calories than you burn on a daily basis during that time period. At a minimum, that equals nearly 500 extra calories per day on average over that stretch of days.

Usually, the added weight comes in fancy cookie trays or creatively decorated gift baskets from clients, friends and family. The sound of Christmas music and arrival of cold weather encourage us to partake of traditional holiday fare and simply move less. This combination leads to tighter fitting pants and feeling sluggish.

Now is the time to fight back! Don't wait to start your exercise program after the New Year begins. Initiate better exercise and eating habits now, because the weight is always harder to take off compared to preventing the gain beforehand. See the list below for tips on staying trim during this holiday season.

1. Perform strength training workouts at least 3 times per week.

2. Build in extra cardiovascular training if you decide to stray from your normal eating patterns to offset the extra calories.

3. Limit alcohol consumption as it will cloud your eating judgment and predisposes you to cravings and overeating.

4. Limit the number of holiday parties you attend.

5. Eat a small nutritious and fibrous snack prior to arriving at holiday parties. This way you will eat less because your stomach will feel full faster.

6. Do not buy holiday snacks for your house. If it is available, you will graze all day long without even noticing.

7. Plan events such as the Jingle Bell Run that keep you focused on training and exercise amidst the hustle and bustle.

8. Try to limit eating out when possible. With shopping, it becomes easy to dine out and partake in heavier foods and desserts.

9. Go to bed early or on time. Studies suggest that getting too little sleep will affect metabolism and prompt late night eating.

10. While at the mall, take additional time to walk after your shopping is finished.

Brian Schiff, PT, CSCS, is a respected author, physical therapist and fitness expert. You can sign-up for his free online newsletter @ http://www.thefitnessedge.cc.

Copyright © 2004 Brian Schiff


MORE RESOURCES:

The Grand, a "Little Slice of Europe in Florida," Adds Double ...
MarketWatch - 16 hours ago
She is the only medical doctor in the bay area who is double board certified in internal medicine and nutrition. Dr. Hermann is also the only medical doctor ...


Natural Nutrition Inc reports net income for year-to-date
Trading Markets (press release), CA - 4 hours ago
The company, through its subsidiaries, manufactures health food and nutrition products. It offers sports, nutritional and natural dietary supplement ...
Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Cliffs Natural Resources Inc ... Trading Markets (press release)
all 11 news articles


Symmetry Continues Partnership with Plan USA
MarketWatch - 17 hours ago
The school-based nutrition and health project also includes helping to transport livestock to the schools for the upcoming school year; purchasing cows, ...


Mom's chili fails nutrition test
Brick Township Bulletin,  United States - 14 hours ago
While he is at a college campus far away, I still make Vernon's nutritional intake a priority. As a doting mother, I package casseroles and entrees for him ...


PC Brands Introduces Great Tasting Shelf-Stable Nutrition Bar With ...
MarketWatch - Nov 19, 2008
"We are excited to be able to offer a probiotic that can be used in entirely new categories of food, including shelf-stable nutrition bars. ...


On nutrition: What a bone needs to heal
TMCnet - 57 minutes ago
-Nutrition. Much of the "glue" that mends broken bones is found in food. Protein such as collagen helps to knit broken bones back together. ...


The Patriot-News - PennLive.com

Farming groups help kids learn about nutrition
The Patriot-News - PennLive.com, PA - 16 hours ago
by ELIZABETH GIBSON, The Patriot-News Dan Gleiter, The Patriot-NewsAgriculture groups join together to teach second-grade classes at Bellaire Elementary ...


Research Proves Nutrition Plays a Critical Role in Optimal Health ...
American Chronicle, CA - 32 minutes ago
A report from the Royal Veterinary College in London, Professor DL Chan, points out that veterinarians should begin to look at nutrition to play a larger ...


Nutrition seminar promotes milk
Jakarta Post, Indonesia - 10 hours ago
JAKARTA: Around 200 mothers, members of the Family Welfare Movement from all over Jakarta, attended an educational seminar on nutrition held in Jakarta on ...


Cal's Walker healthy, ready for No. 3 Rutgers
International Herald Tribune, France - 18 hours ago
Thanks to daily iron pills and better nutrition — she is learning to eat leafy greens like spinach — she's that much stronger ahead of the No. ...

Nutrition - Google News

home | site map
© 2006