You may have heard the conventional wisdom that everyone gains weight during the holidays. A study published by Dr. Holly Hull and colleagues investigated what happened to the body weight and composition of college students during the six weeks of their winter holidays, from Thanksgiving to after New Year’s Eve. Interestingly, they found that although body weight did not change significantly among the group, levels of body fat increased, especially around the trunk area. So even though at the end of the six weeks their weight on the scale didn’t change, they got fatter. This kind of change is typically due to a change in diet and and a decrease in exercise, with exercise playing a large role. As a whole, the group lost muscle and gained fat.
Now is the time to find an exercise routine that feels good to you, and that you can stick with for the long haul. Exercise is important for your mental and physical well-being. If you start now, you'll already be "in the groove" when the holidays roll around. Activity helps you manage the stress of the holidays, along with balancing out the extra tasty foods that we want to enjoy during these weeks of celebration. And you can get "step credit" for all the walking you'll do in the malls while shopping!
Alice Lockridge, our exercise guru, has written many blogs that will help you find exercises that you will enjoy. Check through the blog archives for her experienced thoughts and guidance. If you haven't tried a pedometer, you can order one from Alice at her website found on The Good Mood Diet shopping page. Scroll down to order the pedometer. It is one of the most motivating little exercise devices ever made. Set small goals for yourself at first, adding 500-1000 steps a day. Then when you consistently make that goal, start to increase it even more, and then add another activity, or pick up your speed when you walk. Each little thing makes a great big difference.
There is nothing like having a good plan, and sticking to it. You'll stay feeling great and looking great throughout the holidays and beyond.
Yours in a Good Mood,
Dr. Susan Kleiner