The holiday season comes with a lot of joy and celebrations with families and friends, but for many people, it also means enjoying endless amounts of delicious food.

Watching what you eat and staying active during the holiday season can be challenging, and it’s not surprising that many people gain a few pounds during this time. The hard part comes when you realize how difficult it is to shed off those holiday pounds.

The Study Findings

A study conducted by Cornell University shows that most people gain about 1.3 pounds during the holiday season, but the real issue is that these pounds stick around for a long time.

The study followed 195 adults, including 140 women, and monitored their weight gain throughout the holiday season and up to six months later.

The results showed that, on average, the participants gained about 1.3 pounds during the holiday period, but even six months later, they still had not shed off the weight.

The researchers also found that participants who weighed themselves regularly and exercised frequently lost more weight compared to those who didn’t.

The Difficulty in Losing the Extra Pounds

The holiday season is not the only time people struggle with shedding off extra weight. Many people already struggle with weight loss and weight management throughout the year, and the holiday period can make it even more challenging.

Here are some reasons why holiday pounds can be difficult to shed:.

1. Lack of Motivation

After the holidays are over, it can be hard to find the motivation to get back on track with healthy eating and exercise. It’s easy to get into a cycle of indulgence and lack of motivation, which only makes it more difficult to lose weight.

2. Unhealthy Food Cravings

During the holiday period, many people consume foods high in sugar, fat, and calories, which can lead to unhealthy cravings. These unhealthy cravings can linger even after the holidays are over, making it harder to stick to a healthy diet.

3. Reduced Physical Activity

Many people tend to be more sedentary during the holidays, spending most of their time indoors and engaging in minimal physical activity.

This inactivity can lead to weight gain, and it can be hard to get back into a regular exercise routine after the holidays.

4. Lack of Sleep

The holiday season can be a stressful time, leading to a lack of sleep for many people. Lack of sleep can lead to an increase in appetite and cravings and can also slow down metabolism, making it harder to lose weight.

5. Emotional Eating

For many people, the holidays can be an emotionally stressful time. Emotional stress can lead to emotional eating, which can cause weight gain. It can be hard to break the cycle of emotional eating, making it challenging to lose weight.

The Importance of Regular Exercise and Healthy Eating Habits

With difficulties in shedding off holiday pounds, the best approach is a combination of regular exercise and healthy eating. Maintaining a regular exercise routine and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can help with weight loss and weight management.

Here are a few healthy eating tips:.

1. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can help maintain a healthy weight. It’s recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

2. Focus on Whole Foods

Foods high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats can help with weight loss and provide essential nutrients. Focus on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.

3. Limit Sugary and Processed Foods

Sugary and processed foods are high in calories and low in nutrients, making it hard to lose weight. Limiting your intake of these foods can help with weight loss.

4. Plan and Prepare Meals

Having a meal plan and prepping meals ahead of time can help maintain a healthy diet. It can also help prevent unhealthy food cravings and the temptation to indulge in unhealthy foods.

5. Reduce Portion Sizes

Portion control is essential when trying to lose weight. Eating smaller portion sizes can help regulate calorie intake and lead to weight loss.

The Bottom Line

Gaining a few pounds during the holiday season is common, but it’s essential to take steps to shed off the weight afterward.

It’s not easy to lose weight, but with regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and determination, it’s possible to shed those extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight.