Use A Food Diary to Manage Holiday Eating

There are varying statistics on the actual amount of weight the average person gains during the holidays; however, studies have shown that people accumulate a large proportion of their yearly weight gain over the winter holiday season. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), "...the cumulative effects of yearly weight gain during the fall and winter are likely to contribute to the substantial increase in body weight that frequently occurs during adulthood".

Weight gain from overeating during holiday festivities is a fact for most of us. After all, it is not so easy to walk away from the dessert table at the company Christmas party... and worst is dealing with the guilt of having eaten too much.

To avoid overeating, plan your meal program before the holiday feast with a food diary. Set reasonable goals, do not plan to avoid the dessert table, however you should plan to eat more fruit and vegetables. If you eat more than you planned, do not feel guilty. It is more important to accurately record your the additional items in your food diary. This will provide you with the information necessary to make adjustments in your food consumption over the next few days to offset those excesses.

As we embrace the comfort and joy of the holiday season let us practice good judgment, exercise some self-control and a use a food diary.

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