A recent study suggests the average person gains just slightly over 1 pound throughout the holiday season. Yet, I hear fearful comments about large amounts of holiday weight gain a lot from friends, family, and coworkers.
So, today I wanted to talk about how believing the holiday weight gain myth does you a disservice!
1) The diet industry uses this myth (and the shame that we associate with weight) to get you to buy into their product. The diet industry bombards us with messages saying we will gain “holiday” weight if we don’t _________ (insert: eat whatever diet food they are selling, try whatever product they are selling, etc). For example, I heard a terrible commercial on the radio yesterday stating: “enjoy your foods over the holidays because it is the only time you can; after the new years starts it is time for celery sticks and exercise again”. Sadly, “nutrition” and “health” commercials are usually about getting your money, NOT helping you gain health. Diets and quick fixes don’t work for lasting weight loss or health, and many times they leave us more dissatisfied with our bodies and with a shattered self-esteem. Do yourself a favor this holiday season and debunk the myths/lies that the diet industry, food industry, and other people claim.
2) The myth perpetuates the diet mentality. Think of the commercial above. If you think that you will never be able to have a certain treat again or that you have to start a “diet” after the new year, of course you will feel like you need to eat every last bite of your pie, even if your stomach hurts. Intuitive Eating calls this the “last supper” syndrome. Reject the diet mentality and choose to listen to your body’s cues for hunger and fullness.
3) The myth promotes feeling shamed or guilty about eating holiday foods. There are many delightful treats involved in holiday celebrations, and many of them are filled with memories. Yet, the holiday weight gain myth often interrupts our ability to enjoy them without guilt or shame. Let me tell you. You deserve to eat your favorite holiday food: is it fudge, pie, Grandma’s famous cookies, or cake? Or maybe you don’t have the sweet tooth like me, and you enjoy the rich stuffing and casseroles. Choose your favorite foods, sit down, be purposeful and enjoy them without an ounce of guilt.
4) The myth takes the focus off health once again. In general, weight loss or gain does not make or break your health; it is the habits that you have, along with your genes, that determine your health. This focus on weight, that is so common in our society, takes away from a true focus on health. Want to stay healthy over the holidays this year? Choose warm healthy drinks, get active, and incorporate REAL food into your life. There is no need to exclude pleasure foods (foods that are not very nutritious but are highly delicious). Just find a good balance like: 80% of the time focusing on nourishing your body and 20% of the time focus on satisfying your taste buds.
I hope each of you can embrace the holiday season this year without guilt over food or fear of weight gain. Enjoy this special time of year, time with friends and family, and (hopefully) time to relax and take care of yourself!
This post is by Janet Zimmerman, a University of Memphis Nutrition Student and Schilling Nutrition Therapy, LLC Intern. You can follow Janet on Twitter as well at http://twitter.com/JanetZimmerman
The holiday season is supposed to be enjoyable, not a time to feel guilty about your food choices. Thanks for debunking these myths!
I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for stopping by Stephanie. Hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Janet