Survey Says: Americans Gain Weight Over Holidays

A new Harris Poll released today confirms what many people have long believed: A significant number of Americans gain weight during the two-month holiday period between Halloween and New Years Day. The poll, conducted for The Leaf’s parent company, Nutrisystem, surveyed 2,032 American men and women in October and found that one-third of respondents or their spouse/partner gained weight during the last two months of the year.

Other findings from the survey:

• Of those that gained weight themselves, 75 percent said they gained 5 or more pounds, 34 percent said they gained 10 pounds or more.
• About 40 percent say they or their spouse/partner went up at least one full clothing size during the period.

Weight gain may seem inevitable during the holiday season, but it’s not. Nutrisystem corporate dietitian Courtney McCormick offers these super-simple tips for staying strong on your weight loss program at holiday parties:

• Start the day of the event with exercise and a breakfast high in protein and fiber.
• Depriving yourself all day so you can “enjoy” the party can lead to overeating. Eat a healthy meal a couple of hours before the event so you’re not starving when you arrive.
• Don’t go overboard on finger foods. Choose vegetables or protein like chicken skewers for an appetizer.
• Use a salad or dessert plate for your meal rather than a large dinner plate. Studies show you’ll take and consumer less food this way
• Watch your liquid calories. Choose low-calorie alcoholic beverages such as a half a glass of dry white wine, a light beer or clear liquor with water, diet or club soda.