If you believe everything you hear and read, you might think that gaining weight at the holidays is inevitable.
But that simply isn’t so.
A study reported in The New England Journal of Medicine found that, on average, the weight gain from Thanksgiving to New Year’s ranges from 1 pound to 3 pounds.
Of course, that varies from person to person, but whether it’s 1 pound or more — the downside is that you’re starting off the New Year on the wrong foot.
Plus, according to another study from the New England Journal of Medicine, while half of us seeking to lose holiday weight gain will do so quickly, others won’t return to our pre-holiday weight until May.
It’s also important to remember that the holiday food we consume isn’t the only thing that packs on the pounds.
What we drink matters, too.
As you are considering those calories from appetizers, meals and desserts, don’t forget to add up the calories you’re drinking, too.
For instance, those pumpkin spice lattes you ordered in October (and September and August) typically had 50 grams of sugar, and 390 calories for a 16-ounce cup.
You could have had an entire lunch for 390 calories — without the sugar.
Consider counting your holiday drink as your dessert, to avoid loading up on too much sugar.
Another small compromise? Skimp on the whipped cream, caramel, or chocolate sauces.
By Shari Bresin
Shari Bresin is the Family & Consumer Science agent for the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension Pasco County
RECIPES
Adult holiday beverages typically feature a splash of alcohol, but here are some festive drinks the whole family can enjoy.
Peppermint Floats (Get your candy canes ready)
This recipe from Kroger.com creates a drink that tastes like Christmas.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ quarts mint chocolate chip ice cream
- 4 ½ cups 7Up, chilled
- Whipped cream
- Crushed candy canes
Directions:
- Put 2 scoops of ice cream in glass.
- Fill glass with 7Up.
- Top with whipped cream and crushed candy canes.
- Add a candy cane or two in the glass, just for show.
Yield: Six tall glasses
Apple Pie Milkshakes (Great way to use up leftover pie)
This recipe from Betty Crocker makes two servings.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream, slightly softened
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 slice cold apple pie, cut into chunks
Directions:
- Place ice cream, milk and cinnamon in a blender.
- Cover and blend on high until smooth and creamy.
- Add chunks of pie; cover and blend until smooth.
- Pour into 2 glasses; add whipped cream and cinnamon.
Gingerbread Lattes (Who needs a fancy coffee shop; you can make your own)
This simple recipe comes from AARP.
Ingredients:
- 2 shots espresso
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 Tablespoon molasses
- ¾ cup milk (whole or 2% is better for frothing)
Directions:
- Gently whisk coffee, spices, molasses and sugar in a measuring cup, then pour into a mug.
- Froth milk or warm it on the stove and slowly pour into mixture.
- Drizzle salted caramel syrup on top.
Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix (Fewer ingredients, same great taste)
This recipe comes courtesy of University of Illinois Extension.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups unsweetened cocoa
- 2 teaspoons salt
Directions for mix:
- Whisk sugar, cocoa and salt in a large bowl until mixed well.
- Store prepared mix in an airtight container.
Directions for hot cocoa:
- Heat milk in the microwave or on stove, to not quite at a boil.
- Stir in 3 Tablespoons of mix per 8-ounce cup of milk.
- Add whipped cream, marshmallows, sprinkles or other toppings, as desired.
Yield: Makes 25 8-ounce servings
Published December 15, 2021
