The holiday season is now here with cold weather and many tasty treats, but along with the many delicious food comes a small voice in your head saying, “I’m going to regret this later when I cant fit into my jeans.”
Americans consume over 20,000 calories throughout the holiday season by eating a variety of different things. According to an article from “Healthy Blog,” “During the six-week holiday period, people gained about three-quarters of a pound, on average.” Then, after the holidays are over, gym memberships increase while people try to get back into shape. And, for the most part, dieters are willing to try almost anything to shed those extra holiday pounds, including trying new fad pills, foods, and even sodas.
For instance, Pepsi has released a new pop called Pepsi Special, and it certainly is very special. This refreshment claims to help fend off fat by adding a fiber called dextrin. Unfortunately, the United States’ Food and Drug Administration has not yet agreed to approve Pepsi Special in the States due to the dextrin it contains. Dextrin, in some forms, is used as a laxative and can cause sudden urges. A news release conducted by “Time Magazine”, says that “…the drink acts by suppressing the absorption of fat and can inhibit the rise in triglycerides after a meal, making it the first somewhat healthy soda.”
Thus far, Pepsi Special has only been released in Japan because it has received the label “FOSHU” in Japan, a government designation that stands for “Food for Specified Health Uses.” A Japanese government website states that “FOSHU” products are meant to be consumed “…by people who wish to control health conditions, including blood pressure or blood cholesterol.” It is also said that Pepsi Special may run into problems with the FDA, which discourages boosting the popularity of essentially unhealthy drinks.
Those who live in the United States and base their eating habits off of what fits into their daily routine, which means eating what is fast, easy, and convenient for them, can expect to gain between one and five pounds during the holiday season by overindulging, snacking while preparing food, and eating large portions of food.
Mr. Matt Oliver, a health teacher at Alliance High School, explains a few tips and tricks to help prevent holiday weight gain. He recommends eating small portions, limiting fast food, sugary beverages, and, last, being selective about what you put into your body.
With the holiday season in full swing, and everybody worrying about calories and gaining weight, the temptation to grab easy solutions, such as the new Pepsi Special, is very powerful, however, old-fashioned calorie counting and buying a gym membership may be the best solution after all.
