By Jeff Smyth

            This is the time of year we are bombarded by stories in the media about the dangers of overeating during the holidays, but few people are going to let journalists (many of whom have their own weight problems) set their holiday diets for them. Hence, the incessant repeating of the “don’t overeat” articles.

            There is, however, an undeniable fact that most of us ship a lot more groceries down the gullet from late November to early January than any other time of year.

            There is some debate on what is the average number of pounds people add to their guts during the holidays? Most report between five pounds and 10 pounds. But, would you be surprised to learn that a report in the New England Journal of Medicine claims the average holiday weight gain is only about a pound?

            Caution, though, before you go waddling back to the buffet table for another brick of fruitcake, the study also concludes that the pound is rarely shed and becomes attached to you for life, especially if you are in the less-active midlife phase. Put 10-15 holiday seasons behind you and, according to the study, they’ll show up on your behind.

            That is not to say the story of your life during the holidays has to be told in the tree rings of lard around your waist. The annual extra pound add on cited by the study is an average. Many people do rid themselves of it by including exercise as part of their regiments.

            Let others write the stories about how to avoid overeating. We’ll live in the real world and encourage you to enjoy the holidays to their (no pun intended) fullest. Just understand that come Jan. 2, bar bills should be replaced by barbells.