With the holidays approaching, everyone wants new and effective ways to avoid that "holiday pounds pile-on". Here's a weight loss method you might not have considered: Chewing gum can help you avoid weight gain!
If holiday weight gain is a worry for you, you're not alone. A recent survey by Wrigley showed that nearly 70 percent of Americans eat more at holiday parties than they would at other times of the year, and 72 percent find it difficult to maintain a diet during the holidays.
Wrigley suggests chewing gum can help us avoid mindless snacking and avoid those extra calories that inevitably appear during the holiday season.
"Taking small steps to eat a more balanced diet and to stay physically active during and after the holidays can go a long way for Americans struggling with their waistline," says Molly Gee, registered dietician at Baylor College of Medicine.
"At an average of just five to 10 calories a piece, gum can reduce overall calorie intake when substituted for a high-calorie snack as part of an active, healthy lifestyle ..."
Gee also offers these suggestions for avoiding weight gain during the holidays:
- Steer clear of temptation - have conversations far from the buffet table and replace holiday candies and baked goods at your desk and in your home with decorations that keep you in the holiday spirit.
- Party hearty, not hungry - don't skip meals - "saving yourself" forholiday parties or meals can lead to binging.
- Move more - take the stairs instead of escalators or get exercise by taking extra laps around the mall when holiday shopping.
- Stay active - fill your days with festive activities that don't emphasize food, including, shopping, wrapping gifts and decorating your home.
- Replace high-calorie snacks with gum - chew gum when baking holiday treats to avoid nibbling and pack it when you travel to divert attention from high-calorie snacking.
This article was adapted from content included in a news release from Wrigleys/PRNewswire.
