SubscribeNOW is the Time to Focus on Healthy Eating
Have you ever wondered if weight gain is seasonal?
Some years ago, researchers determined that most weight gain occurs between Thanksgiving and the New Year.
Unsurprisingly, the fat doesn't automatically drop away during the rest of the year.
Rather than trying to go on a diet every year - doesn't it make more sense to prevent fat gain in the first place?
Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine determined that, on average, people gain 0.48 kilograms (around 1.1 pounds) between October and February.
Sure it doesn't sound like much - but add that up over a few years (plus a slight gain over the summer months) and you can see how a slightly overweight 20 year old becomes an obese 65 year old.
Losing weight is tough with few people able to maintain the loss over a number of years.
So what is the answer?
Pay attention to healthy eating and exercise right NOW. November, December and January are the critical months. Increase exercise, or get back on track with your plan. If your having huge holiday banquets every weekend then it's time to moderate.
Now is the time.
It is so much easier to not gain the weight than to try to lose it later. A couple of years ago when I was really focused on a goal, I actually lost 2 pounds over the holiday season, despite thoroughly enjoying myself. I didn't feel deprived, I just didn't go way overboard with everything, and also kept up with my exercise. Of course, I was losing about 2 pounds a week at that point, so the holidays did stall my weight loss, but at least it didn't reverse it! This year, I aim to maintain by doing the same things-not going overboard and keeping up with exercise. Happy Holidays everyone!
ReplyIt is a lifestyle change that is needed, that is why diets do not work. Starving yourself (what most people regard as diets these days) is the absolute worst thing you can do for weight loss. The best thing is to get into a routine and stick to it, if you live a healthy life style and stick to a few rules then you can easily manage your weight.
As far as picking up weight over that time of the year, it does make sense but does not always need to happen the way it does. Be reasonable and weight issues go out the window.
ReplyIt's always really funny to me how you see all these articles with titles like "How to not overeat at Thanksgiving" or "How to not stuff yourself at Christmas" and then right after the holidays you see articles with titles like "What to do after eating too much at Thanksgiving". I haven't gained holiday weight in like, 7 years or so. When I was actively losing weight, the holidays didn't really stop it from coming off. I was just sensible...I didn't eat a lot of junk and kept up with my exercise. If you don't eat dozens of cookies and 3 slices of pie and drink gallons of eggnog just because it's there, you'll probably be fine.
ReplyI completely agree! We all have done it and, in the coming years, will do it again. We utilize Thanksgiving as an easy pass to gorging freedom- eat 'til you drop. However, while our bellies are full and we are content, the one thing that most definately will not drop is the number on the feared scale. How many times have you stored your weight loss motivator in a closet or even the attic during the holidays? I even raised my hand on that one.
What if I told you I have the secret to being able to have your pie and eat it too? Or have no overwhelming guilt after our holiday food plunge? Would you enjoy the holiday season if you knew you could enjoy it and still lose weight or maintain your current weight? Of course you would... just turn to page 142-143 in The Reverse Diet book for the Reverse Buster or join the Reverse Diet Club for an exclusive Holiday Buster menu that will eliminate your avoidence of your favorite foods or guilt during your festivities.
Reversing 4 Life,
Tricia
Author of "The Reverse Diet"
Weight Loss Coach & Master Motivator
ReplyHolidays are no excuse to go overboard with food and drink. Nowadays I only eat enough to feel satisfied, a little bit of everything, not too much of anything. I hate that stuffed "ate too much" feeling that people seem to associate with a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
ReplyThis is a great post. In general we are wayyyy to reactive when it comes to our health and sadly the pharmaceutical companies love to market to us products this way.
Proactive health care is the ultimate weapon for longevity.
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