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It’s that time of year again — the season to go to parties, create sweet treats and have festive holiday meals. How do you stick to a healthy lifestyle and enjoy the holiday season? This week on Health Watch, we’ll offer tips to help you find that balance.
The problem of holiday weight gain may not be as great as you fear. Lona Sandon, a registered dietitian at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says most people only gain a pound or two during the holidays. The problem is that those pounds can add up over time if you don’t lose them, so that in a decade you’re ten to 20 pounds heavier. It’s also surprisingly easy to gain weight when you’re eating extra treats. Just 150 extra calories a day — one chocolate chip cookie — could lead to gaining a pound in three weeks.
Next: Planning for parties.
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November 2007
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