A pound here ... A pound there ...

• Position: Weight gain during holidays - Brief article

Although some Americans gain five to seven pounds with a diet of big meals and sweets between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, most people only gain a pound or two during the holidays, according to a registered dietitian at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas. Yet, even a slight weight gain, if left intact, can accumulate yearly and endanger health.

"The problem is in gaining a pound or two and not working it off, even with good intentions and New Year's resolutions. The gain stays on and adds up each year; in a decade, it's 10 or 20 pounds," notes Lona Sandon, assistant professor of clinical nutrition. "That can lead to obesity and related health problems such as hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and other maladies."

So, how can people avoid adding holiday weight? "First, focus on choosing healthy foods instead of concentrating on what you shouldn't have," she advises. "For instance, seek out cranberries, which have a high level of antioxidants, which protect cells and help the body block urinary tract infections and prevent plaque formation on teeth."

Sandon lists several other healthy or calorie-saving food choices:

* Fresh game, such as venison or wild turkey, usually is leaner than store-bought meat.

* Salad with leafy greens and colorful vegetables is a high-fiber, low-calorie choice.

* Nuts are regarded as "heart-healthy." Research suggests walnuts have...