☞ Most people gain a full size during the holidays: MYTH. A study found that females gain about one pound and males 1.5 in the 6 weeks leading up to the New Year. That’s far less than the 7-10 pounds often cited for this time of year. (Speak for yourselves…)
☞ Bloating isn’t the same as fat weight: FACT. One reason you may feel like you’ve packed on more weight is because many holiday foods trigger bloating and water retention. The main culprit? Carbs. And sodium. (And pecan pie. And mashed potatoes with gravy. And shortbread cookies…)
☞ Exercise staves off holiday pounds: MYTH. More than one study has found that those who work out around the holidays gain the same amount of weight as those who don’t. But remember, there are many other benefits to exercise, including stress reduction and improved sleep. (On the other hand, if I’m working out, I’m not drinking eggnog — usually!)
☞ I’ll lose it in January: MYTH. Studies show most of us never lose our holiday padding, probably because after giving up on New Year’s resolutions, we tend to gain back any weight we’ve lost. (Hoping to get pajama pants for Christmas…again…)
☞ It’s not too late to avoid gaining weight this holiday season: FACT: Commit to 2 simple goals: budget your carbs and drink more water. Both can help you avoid having to make that annual New Year’s resolution to lose weight. (Well, as we’ve learned, at least I don’t have to bother resolving to work out!)
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