The holidays are a time to enjoy friends, family and food. And, contrary to popular belief, you can have all three without putting on the extra pounds!
The average person consumes approximately 4,500 calories and 229 grams fat from eating a traditional Christmas dinner. And that doesn’t include breakfast, lunch, or late-night snacking on leftovers.
Studies show that the average Canadian gains 1 to 2 pounds during the holiday season. And, those extra pounds tend to become permanent. Year after year, those pounds can add up, and contribute to overweight and obesity later in life.
Luckily, those pounds can be avoided through mindful eating in moderation. There are many strategies to help you avoid overeating – and not feeling hungry is one of them!
Flaxseed is one of the most valuable functional foods that can help take the pounds off and keep them off. Flaxseed is packed full of nutrients that can fill you up and keep you full longer. It is a rich source of protein, lignans and dietary fibre that studies show can help in weight loss. The omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, of which flaxseed is the highest plant based source, has been reported to reduce weight.
Research to-date examining the effectiveness of flaxseed overall as well as isolated fibre in weight loss and maintenance shows promise.
Find out more about the research that supports the role that flaxseed can play in satiety, weight loss and overall weight maintenance.