It’s that time of year again when we indulge in holiday parties, festive meals, and sweet treats. But while the holiday season brings joy and cheer, it can also bring unwanted weight gain that’s hard to shed.

According to a recent study, researchers found that holiday weight gain is not only common but it can take months, even up to half a year to lose.

The Study

The study, which was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, followed 195 adults over the course of six weeks during the holiday season.

During the study, participants were asked to maintain their weight within two pounds of their initial weight and to track their food intake daily. After the study concluded, researchers found that on average, participants gained 0.8 kilograms, or 1.8 pounds, during the holiday season.

This may not sound like much, but the same group was tracked for an additional six months and only lost half of the weight gained during the holiday season.

Why is it Hard to Lose Holiday Weight?

Research suggests that the reason holiday weight gain is hard to lose is because of a few different factors. For one, holiday weight gain typically occurs over a short period of time, which can lead to an increase in body fat percentage.

Secondly, the holidays are often a time when we indulge in high-calorie foods and drinks that may be difficult to burn off later. Lastly, the holidays can be a stressful time, and stress can have an impact on our ability to lose weight.

Tips for Preventing Holiday Weight Gain

While holiday weight gain may seem inevitable, there are some things you can do to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips to keep in mind:.

Be mindful of what you eat and drink, and keep track of your calorie intake
Eat slowly, and stop when you’re full
Make sure to get enough sleep, as sleep deprivation can lead to overeating
Stay active, even if it’s just taking a walk after a meal
Choose healthier options when possible, such as veggies or fruit for snacks, grilled proteins instead of fried, and water or sparkling water instead of sugary drinks

Tips for Losing Holiday Weight

If you’ve already gained weight during the holiday season, don’t worry. There are still ways you can lose it. Here are some tips to keep in mind:.

Be patient – it can take time to lose weight
Keep track of what you eat and drink, and try to stay within a healthy calorie range
Create a calorie deficit by increasing your physical activity and decreasing your calorie intake
Choose whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
Don’t skip meals or drastically cut your calorie intake, as this can slow down your metabolism and make it harder to lose weight

Conclusion

The holiday season is a time of year when we often indulge in high-calorie foods and drinks, which can lead to unwanted weight gain.

While it may be difficult to prevent this from happening, there are ways to minimize the damage and lose the weight if you do gain it. By being mindful of what you eat and drink, staying active, and choosing healthier options when possible, you can avoid the holiday weight gain trap. Remember, losing weight takes time, so be patient with yourself and don’t give up.