This is always the hardest time of year when it comes to weight management.  Just take a look at one of our role models for the season!  Jolly or not--Santa should shed a few!

We at fatburn.com want to spread holiday cheer along with a few weight management facts. 

The Myth of Gaining 5 - 10 Pounds

It’s a common myth that the average American will gain anywhere between 5 – 10 pounds during the six weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve.  However, the latest study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) concludes that on average Americans gain about one pound during the winter holiday season.

Only a pound you say?  This one pound is more than 50% of the average weight gain for the entire year!  And it happens over six short weeks.  More troublesome is that

this extra weight accumulates through the years and may be a major contributor to obesity later in life.

It’s no wonder why the percentage of weight gain is so high this time of year.  The coming season surrounds us with holiday and family parties that tempt us with the most delectable cookies, cakes, candies, pies, meats, potatoes and enough alcohol to keep us grinning like Happy of the Seven Dwarves.

And don't forget at work...  In most workplaces, there is a tendency to have candy, popcorn of three different flavors and other tasty treats lurking at almost every desk.

How can one possibly be social at the neighborhood or office party without indulging?  Why not have one more cup? It's only eggnog.

Plus, if you don’t have at least one slice of Aunt Velma’s pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream, someone’s going to be insulted!

The end result of all the good cheer is by the New Year, health clubs across the country are flooded.  This drone-like march of millions to the stair master is fueled by one of the most spoken New Years' resolution: to lose weight.

Reality Check

At fatburn.com we can teach you how to eat the foods you like with the formula that allows you to be at your ideal weight.  So let’s take a good look at that formula and how it applies to the upcoming season.

So, most American’s will increase their average daily caloric intake by 83 calories a day.  That is a fact.  The math doesn't lie.

How do we fight back?  We only have two options: eat less or exercise more.

Eating Less

Eating less doesn't mean that you have to do without.  Here are a few tips on what you can do to eat less--but still have fun.

1. Eat ‘til you’re full, not ‘til you hurt - Stop eating when you feel satisfied instead of when you have to unbutton your pants.
2. Be aware of your snacking – Yes, it’s there, but do you have to eat it???  Ease off some of the drive-by snacking. Most of it’s not that good anyway... fruit cake? And just how long has that popcorn been in the tin anyway?
3. Eat your favorites, just less than a full portion - When putting food on your plate, try not to be the one whose eyes are bigger than their stomach.
4. Ease off skin and gravy – The difference between a breast of turkey with skin and without is 55 calories!  Instead of flooding your food with gravy, dip it in lightly.

Exercise More

So what do you do if eating less doesn't completely work out?  Exercise more.

Who has the time!?

Burning an extra 83 calories a day--so you can truly enjoy your holiday season--may not be as daunting a task as you might think.  The following are a few common and relatively quick ways to get it done.  You may even have some fun!

Come on!  You have to be kidding if you can’t find an extra 10 - 20 minutes a day to keep your weight in check!

Yes, it can be that easy.

Conclusion

We want you to eat the food you like to eat using the formula that allows you to be at your ideal weight.  In addition, sprinkling in just a little exercise per day will set you up to enjoy your holiday fun without all the guilt.

Will you lose weight by following the little bit of information and advice we just gave you?  Probably not.  But sometimes living in the moment and being able to enjoy friends and family really are more important.

If you do choose to follow our advice, you will emerge from the weight gaining abyss of the holiday season still comfortable in your favorite jeans.