Make A Plan to Battle Annual Holiday Weight Gain

It's that time of the year when everyone indulges a little extra over the holidays. Researchers have found that people are more likely to gain weight and keep it on during the holidays.

According to Marc P. Kai, M.D., Ph.D., a primary care doctor with Mercy Family Care Physicians in Baltimore, it’s important to make a plan, so you can have your cake and eat it too, but find a balance.

"Get up and get out, so even if it's for a five-minute walk, you know, that's something that can help prevent weight gain. It can also help stimulate a lot of great things in your body to help process that food and keep the pounds off, even if it's a five-minute walk. The other nice part is it's often a nice way to de-stress: you get up and you can catch up with friends or family you haven't seen in a while—or if you need to get away, you can just go out on your own," Dr. Kai said.

Dr. Kai also noted that portion control is key. People can eat what they want, but just use a smaller plate. He advised to “go green.” Green vegetables have fewer calories and can help to fill you up on healthier calories.

View Mercy primary care physician Dr. Marc Kai’s interview about avoiding holiday weight gain.