FORT WASHINGTON, Pa.,
Nov. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- There
are a wide range of estimates pinpointing the amount of weight
Americans gain over the holidays, but one thing is for sure – you
know it when you feel it. On the heels of the average American
consuming more than 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day, it's no wonder that for many
"Black Friday" can feel like "Fat Friday." Whether it's .2 pounds
or two full pounds, gaining weight at the start of the holiday
season can set the stage for a fattening few weeks and ultimately
lead to permanent weight gain, but the good news is "Black Friday"
doesn't have to be "Fat Friday."
Nutrisystem, the nation's leading provider of home delivery
weight loss programs, explained why this is a key dieting juncture
and issued a series of related tips to help people get back on
track. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also has advice.
According to the Calorie Control Council, the average person
will consume more than 2 ¼ times the amount of calories they
normally would during Thanksgiving
Day's national food fest. It is not unusual for a holiday
dinner alone to tally up to 3,000 calories with the fat equivalent
of three sticks of butter.
Registered Dietitian and one of the research heads at
Nutrisystem, Meghan Nichols,
describes the day after Thanksgiving
as a "critical turning point for dieters." Nichols oversees some of
the company's counseling support available online and by phone.
"This is the time a lot of people either 'go off the wagon' or make
a quick correction and get back on track. It's a really challenging
time for anyone trying to lose weight."
Nichols offers the following tips for achieving dieting success
even if you've already stuffed the turkey and yourself.
Tips for Making Sure "Black Friday" Isn't "Fat
Friday"
OWN UP TO THE NUMBER: It can be a rough day to get on the
scale, but it's one of the most objective ways to keep yourself
accountable. While a weight gain of a pound or two may seem
unimportant, studies have shown that each year, people gain the
most weight within the 6-week winter holiday period, and tend to
hold on to that weight through the remainder of the year, with the
average American adding on an extra 2 pounds every year of their
adult life.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE: Just because you may have
thrown caution to the wind for a day or two, doesn't mean you
should throw in the towel on your weight loss goals. Visualize
success, stick to your game-plan and forge ahead. Remembering that
this is a journey, not a race, is key.
SHOP TILL YOU DROP: Even
if you're not buying anything, it can be a good day to hit the mall
or an outdoor outlet center and window shop while you walk.
Increasing physical activity is a great way to prevent weight gain
during this high-risk time. Wear comfortable shoes and throw on a
pedometer if you've got one. Web MD's Fit-o-Meter can help you
calculate how many calories you'll burn.
GO LOW GI: From the office, to the family holiday party,
tempting food may be lurking around every corner during this time.
Be sure to plan ahead by preparing foods that feature ingredients
that are low on the glycemic index (GI), like whole grains, fruits
and nuts. Low-glycemic index eating is a proven approach to
managing hunger which can help you resist overindulging. The
Nutrisystem community is chock full of tips and recipes that can
help you say no to that snickerdoodle.
DON'T BLAME IT ON THE COST: Needless to say, it can be a
costly time of year with out-of-pocket expenses going toward
holiday gifts. But Nichols cautions about using "I can't afford it
right now" as an excuse not to sign up for a proven successful
weight loss program. Nutrisystem has plans starting as low as
$8 a day and most Nutrisystem
customers report spending the same or less on food than they did
before using Nutrisystem. Plus, starting the New Year with a new
wardrobe after weight loss is often a larger (and welcomed)
expense.
People can actually lose weight successfully during the
holidays
YOU CAN DO IT: The Monday after Thanksgiving, which is also known as "Cyber
Monday," is widely recognized as one of the most popular days to
start a diet, only second to January
2. A 2011 study conducted by Nutrisystem determined that
Nutrisystem customers lose about one pound a week on average during
the "holiday season" (defined as Thanksgiving to New
Year's). "These findings suggest that meaningful weight loss
is not only possible, but also common, among persons attempting to
lose weight during the holiday season," said Anthony Fabricatore, co-researcher of the study
and Senior Director of Research and Development at Nutrisystem.
To find out more information about Nutrisystem for the New Year
and to order today, click here or call 1-888-841-2572.
About Nutrisystem
Having helped Americans lose millions of pounds over the last 40
years, Nutrisystem, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRI) develops evidence-based
programs for healthy weight management, and is the leading provider
of home-delivered weight loss meal plans. Nutrisystem offers
balanced nutrition in the form of low glycemic index meal plans
designed for men and women, including seniors, vegetarians and the
Nutrisystem® D® program for people with diabetes or at risk for
type 2 diabetes. Nutrisystem® plans include a wide variety of
pantry and gourmet frozen entrees and snacks to aid in program
satisfaction and adherence, as well as transition plans to support
long-term success. The Fort Washington,
PA-based company also provides weight management support and
counseling by trained weight-loss coaches and registered
dietitians, as well as through an engaged online community, online
tools and trackers, mobile apps, cookbooks and more. Healthcare
professionals may learn more about the programs by visiting
www.nutrisystem.com/hcp. Nutrisystem® weight loss plans are
available directly to consumers through www.nutrisystem.com, by
phone (1-800-435-4074) and at select retailers. The Company has
also introduced a new in-store retail line, Nutrisystem® Everyday™
products, comprised of nutritionally balanced bars, smoothies,
bakery and breakfast items aimed at consumers who aspire to eat
healthier.
SOURCE Nutrisystem, Inc.