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SALT LAKE CITY — Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means we’ve officially entered the holiday season. And with that, there's a good chance you may be worried about weight gain.
You may be getting inundated with messages on how to avoid gaining weight this time of year. Or perhaps you aren’t concerned about gaining weight this holiday season, but it might not stop your interest in well-intentioned health promotions like “maintain, don’t gain” challenges being shared on social media.
With the added stress that the holiday season may bring (shopping for gifts, planning and attending events, splitting time with families), why do we add to it by worrying about our bodies or the food we consume?
Every year, articles circulate the media throwing out varying statistics on holiday weight gain. Though none are consistent, the number usually ranges from 5 to 10 pounds. But the truth is, we really don’t gain that much weight.
A 2014 study published in Psychology Behavior looked at six different studies and found that the average weight gain between November and January was just under 2 pounds. Another study from the National Institutes of Health found that it was under 1 pound.
Our Instagram-obsessed culture may lead you to believe that any amount of weight gain is bad, but it's important to understand that the human body is meant to fluctuate in weight. Fiona Willer, Australian weight-researcher, says, “Bodies change weight as a result of multiple, unique intersecting factors (genetic, biological, physiological, social, cultural, economic, political) in addition to life stages. No one gets out of it. Bodies gain and lose weight, bodies experience weight change.”
If you’re still adamant about avoiding any weight gain during the holidays, then aim to keep such thoughts to yourself. Challenge yourself to keep conversations about your traditions, what you're looking forward to or how much fun you're having this holiday season. You can also try changing the conversation if someone starts confessing their guilt for savoring holiday treats or talking about getting to the gym immediately to burn off a few extra calories.
Gaining some weight during the winter months can be a normal occurrence for the human body. If you start to feel out of control around food or notice a pattern of eating past the point of fullness, then you may need to evaluate other areas of your life.
If you savor and enjoy certain foods that are only available during this time of year, then there’s no reason to stress about it. Focus on people, traditions and making memories — even those that may circle around food. After all, connecting over food is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Devrie has a private practice in South Jordan and meets with clients individually to overcome chronic dieting and make peace with food happilyfed.life. Follow her on Instagram @happilyfed.
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