Managing Holiday Weight Gain: A Registered Dietitian Offers Advice

Holidays are as much about food as it is about spending time with family and friends. According to a 2000 study published by the New Journal of Medicine, Americans only gain about one or two pounds during the holiday winter season. But for 64 percent of the population who are already overweight or obese the weight gain is five pounds or more between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Put into the mix that during winter months many Americans go into hibernation-staying indoors and not getting enough exercise-one can see why losing weight are on so many people's New Year's resolution list. I asked Jennifer Vimbor, Registered Dietician in Chicago, ILL., for some tips in managing weight gain over the holidays and she agreed.

Ms. Vimbor has a Master's Degree of Science in Nutrition Education from Columbia University in NYC. And after completing the necessary courses and internship, took the exam from the American Dietetic Association to become a Registered Dietician (RD), which she is now. She is also a certified and Licensed in Dietician Nutritionist.

Ms. Vimbor says that, "People who are dieting, watching their weight, or just trying to eat a healthier diet, are faced with many challenges over the holidays. There are usually foods that are not common to everyday life so people like to indulge because "it's only once a year." Now the problem is that "the holidays" now last from Halloween through New Years. That's over 2 months of facing non-traditional, daily foods (i.e. pies, cakes, high-fat foods, etc). One can really pack the pounds on if they're not careful."

Additionally, the holidays can be a difficult time for some. Emotional eating is very common. Here are some tips.

Tip 1- A person's goal should be to keep busy, stay positive, and eat regularly so that they do not set themselves up to overeat.

Tip 2- Ms. Vimbor recommends seeking the help of a Registered Dietician (RD). When looking for a registered dietician, Ms. Vimbor suggests that one should look for a RD whose credentials demonstrate a high level of academics and training, as well as ongoing professional education.