How To Gain Weight and Keep It On During the Holidays

By Anne M. Rensberger, LICSW

Wondercoach

More Weight Control, Nutrition & Exercise Articles

How To Gain Weight and Keep It On During the Holidays

Research suggests that Americans gain an average of 0.4 to 1.8 pounds each year during their adult lives.

Most of that weight gain (0.8 lb) occurs during the interval between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.

Out of factors such as stress, hunger, activity level, changes in smoking habits, or number of holiday parties attended, researchers found that only two influenced weight gain hunger and activity.

Participants who said they were much more active or much less hungry were the least likely to gain weight over the holidays, and some even lost weight.

Those who reported being less active or hungrier had the greatest holiday weight gain.

The overweight and obese were more likely to gain five pounds than those who were not overweight, which suggests that the holiday season presents special risks for those who are already overweight.

The bad news is that weight gained over the winter holidays wasn't lost during the rest of the year.

And just in case you are tired of talk about holiday dieting and need a laugh, here are some tips.

Tips For Gaining Weight During the Holidays

1. Have several spiked eggnogs as soon as you arrive at an event.

These are not only packed with calories, they rid you of any inhibition you may have about taking second and third helpings of anything you want.

2. Follow fatty meals with a sugary dessert. Sugar will raise your insulin levels, and push that fat directly into your fat cells where it'll be safe.

3. Stay away from veggies. If you love the taste of dip, save it for the potato chips.

4. Remember, gravy is the fifth food group. Gravy is loaded with life-giving energy in the form of fat and should be slathered on everything.

5. Reduce your “running around town” levels. If you must walk around when shopping, stop at the food court every half-hour to refuel.

6. Never turn down a homemade cookie. If there are a variety of selections, sample one of each and then go back and enjoy more of your favorite. You make people's day by eating their homemade treats.

If you are one of those who gained weight, weigh yourself on January 2, 2014 and vow to have your holiday weight off by Super Bowl Sunday.