The abundance of food during the holiday season causes many Americans to gain weight during their celebrations and observances. There are many options when it comes to losing or maintaining the weight after holiday binging, but you have to discover which one is right for you.
"The availability of food (during the holidays) is what causes weight gain," said University of Memphis health educator Jacqueline DeFouw, who is also a registered nurse.
"I gained about three to five pounds," said Karmen Carr, U of M sophomore management systems major who attributed her weight gain to eating and inactivity. She decided to do something about it.
"I noticed I was lying around and doing nothing. I was bored and decided I needed to be more healthy," she said.
Since the beginning of the new year, she has been going to The University recreational center and has been working out every day. According to DeFouw, Karr is on the right track.
"Behavior modification, -- learning what you should be eating and exercise, expending those calories -- is the best way to lose weight," said DeFouw. She said that exercising causes the body to firm up, which means you do not lose as much weight, but your size will go down because you have lost inches.
Going on a diet is a healthy life choice but do not get discouraged when the weight does not disappear as quickly as planned, she said.
"Reduce your expectation of weight loss. According to your body type, there is a healthy amount of weight to lose every week," said DeFouw.
"There is no ideal diet. There are guidelines you should follow the rest of your life," said Linda Clemens, U of M health and sports sciences professor.
DeFouw agreed. "Your body needs a variety of foods in order to function properly. Fad diets only let you eat certain things which leaves your body lacking, and you may suffer the long term effects," she said.
If unsure how they should begin losing weight, students can go to the health center and get a personal consultation with a nutritionist.
"We have two grad assistants (available four days a week) from the nutrition department to work with students. They know the nutritional needs of people," DeFouw said.
However, some people do not gain weight over the holidays.
"I didn't eat a lot of holiday cookies and that sort of stuff," said Jennifer Kadrovich, a U of M medical anthropology grad student.
She kept her portion sizes to a minimum and ate normally.
"Balance, variety and moderation are the three words a person needs to remember when they are losing weight," said DeFouw.
