(Metro) A popular, familiar holiday song insists the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is “the most wonderful time of the year.” But for people who are mindful of eating and trying to maintain a healthy weight, the holiday season can very well turn into the “most compromising time of the year.”
Weight gain during the holiday season is quite common, although the amount gained can vary and it may not be as high as people think. According to research published in the Journal of Obesity, the average weight gain during the holidays is anywhere from 0.8 pounds to just under 2 pounds. Although that doesn’t sound like a lot, that extra weight stays on, says Dr. Donald Hensrud, a Mayo Clinic physician specializing in nutrition. Cumulative holiday weight gain can add up over the years. Dr. Hensrud says studies also show that people who weigh more to begin with may also gain more weight during the holiday season.
Though the holiday season can be food-centric, it is possible to avoid ...