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I Bet You Didn't Eat As Many Thanksgiving Calories As You Think You Did

Last night, I felt like I crawled into bed last night with the Goodyear blimp masquerading as my stomach. And if you would have told me that I had gained at least 5 pounds, I would have easily believed you.

Yet if you told me that most of things we are told about thanksgiving calories, holiday weight gain, etc. etc. are nothing more than myths, I would have had a good laugh. Then a bad case of heartburn.

But it's true. Many of the things we've heard over the years just don't plain hold a lot of water -- or calories.

In fact, let's start with that. I'm sure you stuffed yourself like a turkey. And then got depressed thinking you had to have eaten a gazillion calories and put on 500 pounds. Google some "studies" and you'll find the most commonly used figure for thanksgiving calorie intake is more than 4500-5000 calories. That's a lot of turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and samplings of several different pies.

That's also a bunch of calories. To burn off those kinds of numbers you'd need to jog for 7.5 hours; ride your bike for 15 hours; or walk from here to Seattle.

But here's the deal. Scientific type people actually calculated what people take in on Turkey Day—and the real figure is closer to 2350 calories. The problem is that most those calories are inhaled in a short period of time- which is why you feel like you might explode.

So how many pounds did you gain yesterday? The generally accepted rule of thumb is that 3500 calories = one pound (gain or lose.) We know think that figure is probably not exactly right for everyone—with the range being 2800-4000 calories to gain or lose one pound depending on your gender, height, activity level, etc. Nonetheless, the bottom line: you probably didn't even gain a pound in one sitting.

Now how about this "the average person gains 8-10 pounds during the holiday season." Another myth. The actual figure is closer to 2 pounds. The problem, though, even with that lesser amount is that many people don't drop those 2 holiday pounds, and it stays in the stomach piggy bank the rest of the year---only to be added to .

So what can you do? It's that simple formula: eat less, move more.

Now since trying to diet during the holidays is probably not a wise thing to even consider, activity and trying the hold the calorie line may be the best way to go.

So---- Move it. Try to find time for even a little extra activity.

Then, watch those holiday traps while employing a few tricks of your own.

Limit alcohol.

Don't go to a party.

Use a small plate to load your goodies.

Put your fork down between bites.

Don't leave a lot of cookies, sweets, and other treats in easy reach on the counter, if you've got them in the home, put them where its work to get at them---no more of that snatch and munch as you stroll by the counter.

There are obviously a lot more you can do—you know yourself and your weak points.

But the good news is that the weight gain mountain is harder to climb that you probably thought—so it isn't an automatic losing, or in this case, gaining battle. Use common sense. Remember the "M" word (moderation). And enjoy the holidays.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have a leftover drumstick calling my name for lunch.

@drdavehnida

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