Photo by Kobby Mendez on Unsplash

Preventing Holiday Weight Gain

Deep in the holiday season as we are, we can feel the stress it brings.

Did you know one of the top stresses each year is weight gain? Alcohol can contribute to weight gain in several ways. It’s often a big part of holiday celebrating and socializing, so let’s look at these different ways.

• Alcohol has lots of calories.

Alcohol has 7 calories per gram. Protein and carbs yield 4 calories per gram. Only fats have more calories with 9 per gram. Those alcohol calories can add up quickly.

• Alcohol triggers lots of insulin.

High insulin may trigger hypoglycemia in susceptible people. In turn, that may increase appetite, cause mood changes, or bring on cravings. Insulin also inhibits fat oxidation and may promote storage of the fats we eat.

• Alcohol increases appetite.

Drinking alcohol releases endorphins (beta-endorphin). Endorphins inhibit the center of the brain that makes us feel we’ve had enough food and won’t need more for a while. That can lead to more frequent desire for food — and much more food at a given meal.

• Alcohol makes us want different foods.

Endorphins again. Endorphins shift food preferences and cravings toward sugars and…