Of course, another downside to consuming an extra holiday helping during the fall/winter seasons is that it leads to less outdoor activity.
“The weather may explain the gradual increase, but we also see these spikes that start about a week before the holiday and peak a few days after,” the author of Slim by Design said. “To me, that suggests that the holidays themselves aren’t the problem—it’s more the ramping up beforehand and all the Halloween candy or Thanksgiving leftovers or Christmas cookies you’re eating afterward.”
Though researchers admitted that study goers were likely more motivated in their weight loss efforts due to hopping on the scale on a daily basis, the study provides some real insight that everyone can benefit from.
Overall, Wansink advises “Instead of a New Year’s resolution to lose weight, have an October resolution not to gain too much weight in the first place. Then you won’t have to worry about five months of struggling.” Fair enough!
He added, “There’s nothing wrong with the holiday itself, but the key is to keep your eating to the holiday—not to the holiday season. You’re going to be in a lot better shape if you keep what happens on Thanksgiving to one day, rather than stretch it out for a week before and a week after.”