Weight Gain Over the Holidays: Prevent It!

Peggy R. Anderson

Extension Agent

December 28, 2011

Weight Gain Over the Holidays: Prevent it!

Contrary to popular belief, the average American only gains about a pound over the holiday season. But that extra pound usually stays with us. Year after year, those pounds add up, increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Instead of making a resolution on Dec. 31 to hit the gym, it might be a better idea to avoid that pound in the first place with an ounce of prevention.

“With planning and a little bit of discipline, we can prevent that holiday weight gain and some of the chronic conditions that are associated with being overweight,” said Tammy Roberts, University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.

For your health, Roberts suggests these tips for eating as you approach the holiday season:

•     When you go through a buffet line, take small portions. Then stay far away from the food table and eat slowly.
•     When you go to a party, bring your favorite low-calorie dish.
•     If you are going to a gathering where you know there will be a lot of food, plan on filling at least half of your plate with fruits and vegetables.
•     Think fun! It is fun to get outside and go for a brisk walk or go to the skating rink or bowling alley. Plan an outdoor scavenger hunt for the family. These activities will all help burn those holiday calories.

“If you make a plan for your holiday eating and add some activity, you shouldn’t have to worry about even one pound of weight gain,” Roberts said

Make a Resolution to Get Finances in Order in 2012

After spending big during the holidays, many people make getting their financial house in order a top New Year's resolution.

"Any day is a good day to make financial resolutions," said Janet LaFon, family financial education specialist, University of Missouri Extension.

Financial planning

There are, however, several key areas in financial planning, like keeping financial records, starting a savings plan and getting a will done, that people need to remember all year according to LaFon.

"One of the best things a person can do is set up a home filing system for financial records. This will make it easier to find your financial information when it is needed. If you already have a system, spend time cleaning out items no longer needed," said LaFon.

The New Year is also a good time to review beneficiaries named in insurance policies and wills to make sure those named are still the people you want to include.

"If you do not already have a will or some other form of estate plan, now would be a good time to get one in place. If you do have a will or plan, review it to make sure it still reflects your wishes," said LaFon.

Starting or adding to a savings program is another financial resolution a person should try to keep. LaFon recommends that instead of waiting until the end of the month, you should pay yourself first.

"It doesn't have to be large amounts. You'll be surprised how quickly even small amounts can add up. The key is doing it on a regular basis," said LaFon.

Credit card debt is a critical area for many, especially after the holidays. LaFon recommends developing a plan for getting bills paid and concentrating on paying off credit cards with the highest rates of interest first.

"As you're paying off the current bills, think about how you use credit cards and decide if changes are needed. If your answer is yes, then look for ways you can make the needed changes." said LaFon. "Options could include limiting their use, paying off the balances in full each month, shopping around for credit cards with better terms, or maybe even cutting them up to remove the temptation to overspend.”

Schedule

Wednesday, December 28 – Burke County

Thursday, December 29 – Divide County

Friday, December 30 – Burke County

Monday, January 2 – Courthouse Closed

Tuesday, January 3 – Divide County