Season's Eating

The fight starts Thanksgiving weekend and continues until New Year's. If we don't watch it, the fight continues through Super Bowl weekend. The fight, of course, is the battle of the holiday bulge. We all have heard the statistic that Americans gain between 5 and 8 pounds this time of year. I haven't even reached Christmas and I think I've gained my 5.

As I contemplated the Holiday Eating Season, I realized that there is little difference between the holidays and every other day of the year. The biggest difference is that there are more opportunities to sabotage ourselves. In reality, these chances occur all year round. Be it a birthday party, a weekend out, a vacation, a "stress" day or some other occasion where our resolve is tested.

I think the only difference is our resolve. I think we succumb to our temptations by rationalizing that "it's the holidays". We, in effect, give up for this time of year and decide to get back at it after the holidays. Unfortunately, this will resort to weight gain that will take us 6-8 weeks to lose.

My post might be a little too late, but think about it. During the year, when you know you are going to a party, you plan the rest of the week, either knowing this will be your "blow it" day,or going to the party and eating the vegetable snacks. But, during the holiday season, we say "oh, it's the holidays". During the year, when someone brings donuts, cookies, candy or cake to the office during the rest of the year, do you give in, or do you say "no thanks".

Certainly during the holiday season, there are more obstacles around the kitchen. Your resolve has to be strong. You have to avoid tasting this or that. Just as you do the rest of the year, you have to say "no thanks".