No holiday weight gain

Charlyn Fargo, Contributor

As the holidays approach, so do the celebrations, cookies and cocktails that make seasonal indulgence almost irresistible. Of course, these indulgences often come with a side of weight gain. Luckily, there are ways to enjoy the holiday season without a need to overindulge.

A recent survey finds that most of us - 78 per cent - are trying to lose or maintain our weight. Our strategies are two-fold - changing the amount we eat (71 per cent) and changing the type of food we eat (65 per cent). Some 62 per cent are trying to lose weight by exercising. Conducted by the International Food Information Council Foundation, the survey also found that consumers believe exercise has the biggest impact on health (80 per cent), followed by making healthful food choices (66 per cent), managing weight (53 per cent), getting enough sleep (49 per cent) and managing stress (45 per cent).

Healthful eating

Nearly two in three Americans are trying to improve the healthfulness of what they eat. Top reasons for making changes to their diet are: to improve overall well-being (64 per cent), improve physical health (61 per cent), lose weight (61 per cent) or maintain weight (17 per cent).

One of the problems is that just 15 per cent of Americans are able to provide an accurate estimate of the number of calories they should be consuming. Another issue is that of those trying to lose or maintain weight, only 19 per cent report counting calories.

"Research suggests that being more mindful of what is going on around you can actually allow you to enjoy holiday favourites while keeping your weight in check," said Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, registered dietitian and director of health and wellness with the IFIC.

Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian at www.creators.com.