Monday, December 25, 2006
Tons of Joy
Always one to spread happiness and comfort, I think today is a good day to bring this to your attention. The good news is that, while many Americans gain five to seven pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, most only gain a pound or two. The bad news is "even a slight weight gain, if not taken off, can accumulate yearly and endanger health." According to Lona Sandon, assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Texas:The problem is in gaining a pound or two and not working it off, even with good intentions and New Year's resolutions. The gain stays on and adds up each year; in a decade it's 10 or 20 pounds. That can lead to obesity and related health problems such as hypertension, stroke, diabetes and other maladies.Eating "healthy" is no protection:
The key is moderation, Ms. Sandon said. Eating large portions of even healthy foods can prompt weight gain. Even an extra 150 calories per day -- the amount in a 12-ounce soda or a chocolate chip cookie -- can add up to a pound of extra weight in about three weeks.Now, as Christmas comes to a close in a haze of good food and drink, just remember that all too soon you'll have to sweat it all off again! Happy Holidays!
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