By the way, doctor; How can I avoid holiday weight gain?

Harvard Women's Health Watch, December, 2004

Q Every year, I gain about 5 pounds over the holidays. And every year, it gets harder to take them off. Do you have any suggestions for avoiding weight gain this season?

A The key to weight control is the same year round: Avoid taking in more calories than you need to maintain your body weight, and get enough exercise to burn off any excess. Of course, we have to work at this a little harder during the holiday season, and the winter weather (in much of the country) can make it more difficult to get out. Even if our destination is an indoor health club or a mall for walking, bad weather can discourage us from getting there.

Calories burned per mile of brisk walking

Body weight (pounds)

# of calories burned

100

67...