From November to New Year's, we are likely to be socializing and, according to both conventional wisdom and even some science, we are going to gain weight.
How much weight do people put on? One National Institutes of Health study of 195 participants found that people put on about one pound and, more importantly, they didn't lose it over the following year. Over time, those holiday pounds can really add up.
To avoid that holiday pound (or two), think ahead about these strategies for making merry while avoiding scale shock:
* Resolve to stick with your ordinary portions of meat, veggie, and starch.
* Sit further away from the buffet table to make seconds inconvenient.
* Make a conscious effort to eat slowly. It takes about 20 minutes to realize you are full.
* Drink water before you eat and during your meal.
* Mix drinks with calorie-free mixers like club soda.
* Focus on visiting with loved ones, not just the spread.
Of course, that piece of pecan pie is probably never on your home menu, but if that is the treat you want, cut a piece and enjoy. If you are on a diet plan, remember that one piece of pie doesn't ruin your diet forever. Your job is to get back on your meal plan the next day.
