Holiday Weight Gain

During the Holidays (American Thanksgiving - New Years)

The average North American gains about 1 pound

Not 7-12 like some people might have you think (i.e. gyms with new years deals)

And 1lbs doesn't sounds like a lot.

But most people don't LOSE the 1lbs they gain during the holidays

And since  Most Adults gain about 1-2 pounds a year 

that means that much of midlife weight gain can be attributed to holiday weight gain.

Watch what you eat this holiday season

Stick to water instead of high calorie beverages

Go easy on the sauce, gravy and butters

Never go to a holiday party hungry

Take small portions the first time around so if you go back for seconds you don't feel too guilty

Don't Hang out by the Food

And Get 30 Minutes of Physical Activity a Day.

-try going for a walk, getting on the stationary bike, go tobogganing or skating

Or Split it Up through out the day

Its Okay to get 3, 10 minute bouts of exercise during the day.

Stressed?

Its the holidays!!  Time to spend more money than normally, have family in town, or go out of town, things need to be wrapped and mailed, malls are crowded, there is traffic everywhere.

-while I Love the holidays, I admit they can be a little stressful.

And while seeing family, and everyones happy faces after a big meal, or opening  a great present

sometimes we need a little relief in the middle of it all.

So the next time you are stuck in traffic, the perfect gift is sold out, or you are sitting in an airport

try this breathing exercise

Take a deep breath in through your nose for the count of 5

Then slowly let it out through your mouth for the count of 6

Breathe deeply, drawing air into your abdomen

Try this for 2 minutes and see if you feel better!

Happpy Shopping!

{image from http://www.macroborges.com/}