Is Holiday Weight Gain Unavoidable?
By Genevieve Cunningham
The holidays bring a lot of good into our lives. They bring family and friends. They bring traditions and new experiences. They bring delicious goodies and warm drinks. And unfortunately, the holidays often bring weight gain. Many are familiar with the pounds that seem to find us during the holiday season. For many of us, the weight gain seems unavoidable. But is it really? Or are we simply conditioned to accept the decline in health? If you're interested in maintaining your health through the season, take a look at whether or not you can keep the weight away, and some tips for making it as healthy of a holiday season as possible.
Why Does Weight Gain Happen?
In short, most holiday weight gain happens for two reasons. First, we tend to eat a lot more food. There are so many goodies on the table, and we treat ourselves. Second, we tend to slack off on the exercise. We're all so busy and traveling, exercise simply gets put on the back burner. This combination leads to more calories consumed and less calories burned, which then leads to weight gain.
Can It Be Avoided?
Many people think of holiday weight gain as unavoidable, but that's certainly not true. It's possible to maintain your weight or even lose weight over the holidays. The key? You'll need a plan of action. You'll need to keep your calories under control and maintain exercise. You'll also need to manage your stress, as too much holiday stress can cause problems for metabolism and cause weight gain around the middle.
Should I Worry With It?
Whether or not you worry about holiday weight gain is a personal decision. If you don't think you can lose the weight after the holidays, then you should keep it to a minimum. If you are OK with gaining a few pounds in lieu of the fun and goodies, then let yourself relax. The holidays should be fun and full of family and memories. Don't stress yourself out. Make a plan that works for you, and stick to it to reach your goals -- whatever they may be.
The holidays will be here before we know it. In fact, we're in the midst of the season now! Make a plan to keep your health and wellness in check through the holidays. Don't stress over it, but do what works for you. With a plan, you can enjoy your time with loved ones, manage your weight, and have stress-free fun all season long.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Collierville, Tenn.