WEEKEND EATING MAY BE HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH
A new study found that Americans over the age of two consume more calories, fat, and alcohol Friday through Sunday compared with the rest of the week, with an average weekend increase of 82 calories.
The biggest increase was seen in the 19 to 50-year-old age group, who took in 115 extra calories each day of the weekend. Calories from fat and alcohol increased while energy from carbohydrates and protein dropped.
The one-year study - which examined the diets of more than 28,000 Americans - was published in the August 2003 issue of Obesity Research.
Eating just 10 extra calories per day translates into one pound of added fat every year. The 19-year olds in this study - who added just 230 extra calories each weekend (in essence, 2 beers) - will be 3.5 pounds heavier after one year.
Unless they change their weekend eating habits, by the time they reach the age of 30 they will be almost 40 pounds heavier than they were at 19!
How can you avoid weekend excess?
· If you watch TV on the weekends, get up and move during commercials.
· Go outside and throw the ball during halftime!
· Reserve one weekend night for cooking a relaxing meal at home with friends instead of going out to eat.
· Schedule social events that don't center around food!
· Drink two glasses of water in between each glass of wine or beer.
· Bring healthy snacks with you if you're on the road.
Courtesy of Nutrition News Focus, 9/26/03
