There's a disconnect between what we think happens between Thanksgiving and New Year's and what actually happens...to our um...bottom line. The typical person thinks they'll gain between 5-10 pounds over the holidays.
These one to two pounds have a cumulative lifetime effect for most people. Each year a couple of pounds creep on and pretty soon, you wake up 25 pounds heavier and you just don't know what happened.
Add in the complication that most Americans will lose a pound or two of lean muscle mass each year due to their sedentary lifestyle and we've got a metabolic problem on our hands. We're gaining weight, and using fewer calories. It's not rocket science.
Part of this disconnect is people worry about the weight gain. I mean worry about it. Maybe you're worrying about it right now. Wondering how you'll cope, how you'll manage all the parties and extras.
We also know this to be an emotionally stressful time for many people and their families. Those of us who live in dark, cold, and wet regions might have additional challenges with seasonal affect disorder, or SAD.
These things can all add up to difficulties managing our food. It's not easy. Knowing about the disconnect is nice. You can put your worries aside. You can also plan ahead. You know when the parties are happening, plan ahead. We talk about that a lot. You know what to do. Just do it. You're in control of how many pounds you'll gain this holiday season.
This makes so much sense. No wonder I always hear women say "its so much harder to lose the older you get." Muscle burns so many cals. :) woot!
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