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December 2006 – It's OK to Enjoy the Holidays
Food is a big part of holiday celebrations. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, we look forward to holiday gatherings with friends and family, where the tables are full of hors d’oeuvres, our favorite dishes and special desserts. And at work, there’s an endless array of goodies, compliments of our fellow employees.
With all the holiday treats, it’s easy to eat more than usual at this time of the year. But there’s no need to feel guilty!
“TV, newspaper and magazine stories are full of tips for avoiding weight gain during the holidays,” said Tracey Brand, a Froedtert Hospital registered dietitian and coordinator of corporate wellness. “But, it’s OK to indulge now and then. The holidays are stressful enough without dealing with the stress of gaining weight. There’s no need to pass up your favorite foods or deprive yourself.”
Moderation and balance are the keys, Brand said. “If you’ll be going to one Thanksgiving gathering and one celebration for Christmas, or other religious holiday, relax and enjoy yourself. You won’t gain weight by indulging once in awhile. If you go to a party every weekend over the next few weeks, however, you probably will gain a few pounds if you don’t practice control.”
Brand’s advice for enjoying the holidays:
- If you need to lose weight, don’t start dieting during the holidays; you could set yourself up for failure. Focus on weight maintenance vs. weight loss during the next few weeks.
- If your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, you may view the holidays as a time to overindulge with the intent of dieting in January. Choose more specific nutrition goals for the New Year, such as eating five servings of fruits and vegetables.
- Place the emphasis on the special aspects of the holidays — family and friends, socializing, enjoying time off — and not just food. Take a walk after meals, play games, or decorate holiday cards.
- Maintain your perspective. Overeating one or two days won’t break your eating plan, and it won’t make you add pounds. It takes many days of overeating to gain weight. If you consume more than usual at a holiday meal, return to your regular eating plan the next day.
- If you exercise, continue to do so during the holidays. If you don’t exercise, it’s important to be physically active. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Physical activity can help relieve stress, regulate your appetite and burn those extra calories from holiday eating.
- Don’t starve yourself in anticipation of a big holiday meal. Your hunger will cause you to eat more than you normally would. Eat a light snack that contains a protein source before going to a holiday party.
- If you drink alcohol, factor those extra calories into your holiday feasting. One 8-ounce glass of eggnog has more calories than a slice of apple pie!
- Finally, enjoy the season!
Author: Marla Fraunfelder Date: Dec. 1, 2006 | Medical Reviewer: | Tracey Brand | | Registered dietitian |
Online Editor(s): Christopher Sadler
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