An average Thanksgiving dinner can contain 3,000 calories and 229 grams of fat, according to the American Council on Exercise. It is no surprise that popular belief has it that the average American gains roughly five pounds during the holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
However, a study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases found that the average American actually gains closer to only one pound during this season. The study also found that many of the study's subjects overestimated their weight gain during the holiday season by more than three pounds.
Yet the study's findings weren't all good news. The study found that the average American doesn't lose this pound over the course of the next year and, instead, adds another pound each consecutive holiday season. In most people, this annual weight gain represents the 0.4 to 1.8 pounds that researchers already knew the average American accumulated each year of his or her adult life. What researchers had not known was whether this weight was gained steadily throughout the year or at specific times in the year.
This link between the average weight increase and the holiday season means that weight control during this time is critically importance to Americans. Indeed, the combined affect of holiday weight increases can contribute to obesity and other related diseases.
In order to prevent this trend of "holiday gain" individuals need to be more conscience of what they eat over the holidays. When cooking food, try to cook with health in mind. Some suggestions include using margarine instead of butter, using skim milk instead of whole milk and eating low fat and fat free foods. Little changes can add up to a big difference in reducing fat and caloric intake.
It's all right to partake in the holiday treats, but in moderation and not without exercising to accompany your extra piece of chocolate cake for dessert. Although it's cold outside, bundling up and taking a jog through some trails in the area could not only save you from packing on those extra pounds, but raise your endorphin level. Also, the Jacobs Fitness Center on campus is still open during study days and finals. Don't wait until after those extra pounds add up to make your New Year's resolution. Be healthy and enjoy the holiday season.
