That Fattening Time of Year

++Do you gain weight in the winter?  In the USA, the average adult gains 5-10 lb. every winter and only loses part of it in the spring.  The accumulated extra weight eventually leads to aches and pains (e g., extra stress on knees), and increased risk of health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and poor blood lipid (fat, cholesterol) levels.

Part of the problem is that we get less exercise.  In a few areas of the country, the weather invites us outdoor more this time of year, but for most of us, it's harder to get around.  Add to that the holidays and other eating occasions most of us indulge in.  We go from Halloween candy to Thanksgiving desserts to Christmas cookies to New Year's Eve parties to Super Bowl munchies to Valentine's Day chocolate, without a let-up.

It's time to review some tried but true tips to help us still fit into our clothes on Feb. 15: 
- Bundle up the kids (or your sweetheart) and take a walk after supper to admire the holiday lights in your neighborhood, instead of driving.  The dog might like to join you, too.
- Remember that you can sample everything on the buffet or other holiday feast without taking a full serving.  Take a scoop of your favorite (or most traditional) food and only a few bites of anything else.
- Check magazines, web sites, etc., for ways to cut some of the fat out of holiday recipes without quashing your family traditions.
- It's easy to drink a lot of calories without feeling too full. Eggnog, alcoholic beverages, cappuccino. hot cocoa with marshmallows, all can contribute.  So can "everyday" drinks like soda pop. 
- If you're the host, take pity on the guests.  They don't want to gain extra weight any more than you do, and they want to sample all the goodies you've worked so hard to prepare.  Develop a signature fruit dish or other low-cal treat.
- Enjoy all the aspects of the season, not just the foods.

Happy Holidays!!