BLOG 92 HOLIDAY WEIGHT

BLOG 92 HOLIDAY WEIGHT

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. From Halloween to the New Year, our fitness journeys are tested, our will power is in a battle, and our decision making is challenged to stay on course. As we enjoy the good company of others, we face treats, sweets, and feasts galore. Most have accepted that they will put on weight during this time, BUT this doesn’t have to happen. In the spirit of the holidays, let’s explore this topic. 

The truth is that most people don’t gain a tremendous amount of poundage on the scale. The setback is the loss of exercise and routine that comes with increased distractions during the holidays. Thus,
“In actuality, normal-weight people typically gain about one pound over the holiday season. This may not sound like much weight gain, but a recent review published in Physiology & Behavior found that most of us never lose that pound – and year after year, this annual holiday weight gain can lead to health problems such as obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes” (http://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2015/11/25/does-the-holiday-season-equal-weight-gain). Most believe they can just hit the re-set button when January 1 rolls around. As you know, we are making sustainable healthy lifestyle choices so we shouldn’t have an “off” button if we are always “on”. You don’t have to be perfect, but don’t let your choices spiral out of control because the upward battle will be much steeper than intended to get back on track. 

The general consensus is that people gain 5-10 pounds over the holidays. And this may be true for some. My concern is that one’s vulnerability is reintroduced to sugars, alcohol, and portion distortion. Exercise is less of a priority and the cold weather (even for us Californians) makes staying under the covers more appealing. Folks stop logging their food and say it’s too hard because they are eating so many different items or it was just so bad there was no point in logging it. Again, I hear that the New Year will be their re-set. I get really concerned and antsy during this time period as people begin to travel and start to slowly step away from what was once a major priority. The stress of the holidays is revealed as well. There is a sense of pressure to be happy and social. We are taught that food means celebration. 

Studies reveal that is difficult to take off even that one pound that was gained. It wasn’t muscle that was gained, rather pure fat (and that my friends is tough to get rid of). The trouble is that the re-set button doesn’t always last and the 100% full-fledge ahead January 1^st coincides with unrealistic expectations and goals that lead to failure before even trying. As such, “The problem is that most people tend to keep the weight on, and then the next year gain one or two pounds more again. Over 10 years, you can gain 20 pounds without even trying” (http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2016/11/30/gq-holiday-weight/  ). 

By all means, enjoy yourself and the company of others. Just like gifts, think of your exercise in terms of quality not quantity and make the most of your time and smaller portions. Don’t keep letting yourself say that you are going to get back on track January 1^st.  Celebration doesn’t have to equal food. Good company is good company no matter how many bites or sips you take. I’m the voice of reason on your shoulder and we know that the scale doesn’t define our success, rather, being healthy and FIT is a way of life we want to emBODY all 12 months of the year.