By ALEXA ERICKSON
It’s a common myth that people gain a significant amount of weight during the holiday season.
However, the reality is many of us gain just over a pound between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
This is according to several studies, including one by the National Institute of Health.
The bad news is that for those who gain a pound or so during the holiday season, the weight is not dropped over the following year and begins to accumulate, raising obesity rates, according to an article from the New England Journal of Medicine.
With Thanksgiving coming up, it is important to not get off track in preparation for the festivities but to stay healthy and active leading up to and preceding the day to ensure you won’t become a victim of the holiday weight gain.
Thanksgiving Day parties usually offer a wide variety of food and drink, mostly in excess. The never-ending finger foods and pre-dinner cocktails can pack some serious calories, even before you sit down to give thanks.
If you’re going to snack and drink, do so in moderation and choose the healthy options.
Skip the bread and cheese fondue and opt for the veggies and a low-fat dip, for instance. Or have a glass of champagne, with 89 calories, as opposed to a sugary cocktail, like a vodka martini which can add up to 250 calories.
The large roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and cranberry sauce are all Thanksgiving Day favorites.
But heaping piles of side dishes atop a large portion of turkey isn’t the way to go. Instead, place a small helping of your favorites on your plate and eat slowly.
Maybe skip the gravy and stuffing and stick with a wholesome plate of turkey, green beans and a small helping of mashed potatoes. If you’re going to eat dessert, stick to one slice of pie instead of indulging in the assortment.
Staying active is another component to avoiding that extra pound or two come the holiday. Make it a priority to get in that workout everyday.
Take advantage of McNiff’s fitness classes and get motivated to stay on track. On Thanksgiving day, go for a post-dinner walk with family and friends.
Eating is an enjoyment of life, but don’t let Thanksgiving be your gateway into the holiday weight gain.
Losing the weight can be much harder than gaining it, so remember to limit your food and drink intake, choose healthy options and stay active.
Alexa Erickson can be reached at alexaerickson16@gmail.com.