Have you made any New Year's resolutions for 2015?
Do they relate to fitness? Weight loss? Eating better? You are not alone. Over 60% of people in the US do this, at least infrequently, me included (though I'm even behind on that this year!).
Losing weight is the most common New Year's resolution, followed by getting organized and spending less.
There's a way to help you meet all of these goals at the same time, according to a new study.
Yes, making and breaking resolutions is common enough to become the subject of scientific studies.
This new one studied food shopping habits of 207 families in months before, during, and after the US holiday season (Thanksgiving through New Years). The food and nutrition researchers found that family food spending increases by 15% over the holiday season (Thanksgiving to New Year), with most of the increase due to stocking up on more junk food.
What surprised the researchers was that the families studied extended their larger purchases into the post-New Year's period. The consumers started buying more fruits and vegetables after the holidays, in line with the annual goal of keeping a more healthy diet, but they didn't stop buying the more indulgent, high-calorie holiday treats, turning their goals into "res-illusions" that expand both spending and waistline.
This graph is from the published paper and shows the additional calories of the foods purchased by the participating families during and after the holidays - that is, beyond their "normal" rest-of-the-year food expenses. You can see that the participants bought more foods in both the "healthy" and "unhealthy" categories after New Year's Day.
People started buying more of the less-healthy items during the holiday season and kept at it all through the weeks immediately following this season. They also increased their purchases of healthy items post-holidays, suggesting to the researchers these nutritious items might have provided a “health halo" that allowed the participants to keep buying junk food too. Like having your cake and eating your broccoli too.
If this sounds like you, you might try buying and eating the types and amounts of foods you ate during the summer and early fall (before the holiday season), rather than the quantities you inhaled during the holidays as a good way to return to your “pre-holiday” status quo, and not remain at your “holiday” status quo.
The researchers recommend using written grocery lists to discourage impulsive junk food purchases (yes, you have to stick to the list) and substituting as much junk food as possible with fresh produce and nutrient-rich foods. You know the ones -- veggies, fruits, whole grains, fish or lean meats if you are so inclined.
An easy way to do this is to visually divide your grocery basket so that nutritious foods make up at least half of your purchases. In other words, replace the buns, chocolates, Cheetos, and processed meals with fresh produce and other nutritious foods. I take this to mean that we need to start budgeting time to cook wholesome meals again.
All this listing, visual recording, and time management will get you into an organization frame of mind, as well as help you spend and eat less. Voila. Goals achieved.
And this includes Super Bowl Sunday week, which, along with Christmas week, was the week of top food spending by consumers in this study!
So, if you are going to spend more on food, the timeless and sometimes-boring recommendation is still ---STILL! --- buy and eat more veggies.
Do they relate to fitness? Weight loss? Eating better? You are not alone. Over 60% of people in the US do this, at least infrequently, me included (though I'm even behind on that this year!).
Losing weight is the most common New Year's resolution, followed by getting organized and spending less.
![]() |
From an earlier post, yet still true! |
There's a way to help you meet all of these goals at the same time, according to a new study.
Yes, making and breaking resolutions is common enough to become the subject of scientific studies.
This new one studied food shopping habits of 207 families in months before, during, and after the US holiday season (Thanksgiving through New Years). The food and nutrition researchers found that family food spending increases by 15% over the holiday season (Thanksgiving to New Year), with most of the increase due to stocking up on more junk food.
![]() |
Stocking up on more than junk food-- the holiday downward progress image: TrainerJack |
What surprised the researchers was that the families studied extended their larger purchases into the post-New Year's period. The consumers started buying more fruits and vegetables after the holidays, in line with the annual goal of keeping a more healthy diet, but they didn't stop buying the more indulgent, high-calorie holiday treats, turning their goals into "res-illusions" that expand both spending and waistline.
This graph is from the published paper and shows the additional calories of the foods purchased by the participating families during and after the holidays - that is, beyond their "normal" rest-of-the-year food expenses. You can see that the participants bought more foods in both the "healthy" and "unhealthy" categories after New Year's Day.
![]() |
The "additional calories" purchased (and likely consumed) in the holiday and post-holiday seasons compared to the pre-holiday baseline expenditures. |
People started buying more of the less-healthy items during the holiday season and kept at it all through the weeks immediately following this season. They also increased their purchases of healthy items post-holidays, suggesting to the researchers these nutritious items might have provided a “health halo" that allowed the participants to keep buying junk food too. Like having your cake and eating your broccoli too.
How can we avoid hanging on to holiday fun via our grocery purchases?
If this sounds like you, you might try buying and eating the types and amounts of foods you ate during the summer and early fall (before the holiday season), rather than the quantities you inhaled during the holidays as a good way to return to your “pre-holiday” status quo, and not remain at your “holiday” status quo.
The researchers recommend using written grocery lists to discourage impulsive junk food purchases (yes, you have to stick to the list) and substituting as much junk food as possible with fresh produce and nutrient-rich foods. You know the ones -- veggies, fruits, whole grains, fish or lean meats if you are so inclined.
An easy way to do this is to visually divide your grocery basket so that nutritious foods make up at least half of your purchases. In other words, replace the buns, chocolates, Cheetos, and processed meals with fresh produce and other nutritious foods. I take this to mean that we need to start budgeting time to cook wholesome meals again.
All this listing, visual recording, and time management will get you into an organization frame of mind, as well as help you spend and eat less. Voila. Goals achieved.
![]() |
Tried and true ways to stuff yourself silly on game day image: AHelicopterMom |
And this includes Super Bowl Sunday week, which, along with Christmas week, was the week of top food spending by consumers in this study!
So, if you are going to spend more on food, the timeless and sometimes-boring recommendation is still ---STILL! --- buy and eat more veggies.
I read your article, Very nice. I like your blog. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletehealth consultant in chennai
Thanks Nirmala - it is so much easier to make food choices in the grocery store than in my kitchen!
DeleteGreat article. Keep sharing such a informative post.
ReplyDeleteHomeopathy Treatment in Chennai
When you don't want to exercise, you have to push yourself. When you are done, you will be happy that you accomplished something that seemed so difficult just a few moments before. Never give in to your feelings of self-doubt. Why not find out more
ReplyDeleteYou should never start taking any such product without first consulting your doctor and making sure it is safe. pure garcinia cambogia reviews side effects
ReplyDeleteThis blog has overpoweringly satisfied its gathering of people.http://www.hcgsite.weebly.com
ReplyDeleteThis blog is so valuable. A present for the blog perusers.
ReplyDeletehttp://hcgsite.weebly.com/
What is so good about this blog is its uniqueness.
ReplyDeletecommon laxatives
The basic speculation given is estimable. Can’t be any better.
ReplyDeleteRead More
Look for another exercise that will help your heart but that you like doing. For too long in our society exercise has been viewed as something dreadful that we avoid at all costs. readmore
ReplyDeleteI appreciate several from the Information which has been composed, and especially the remarks posted I will visit once more. best 2 green superfood drink powder
ReplyDeleteIt literally something that gives you positive vibes.
ReplyDeleteatlant premium gel
Even for some, simply getting up in the morning proves a chore in itself. Yet, a good weight loss diet plan remains an essential part of the body fat reduction process. hydrogen peroxide and yeast infections
ReplyDeleteA blog that mushroomed from visual illumination.
ReplyDeletehttp://thelegalsteroidsbest.beep.com/
Inspiring and exceptionally valuable, profoundly prescribed for all bloggers out there.
ReplyDeleteAshley
A healthy information trade can help improve security, reduce length of clinic stays, cut down on medication errors, reduce redundancies in lab testing or procedures and make the health system faster, leaner and more productive. ingredientsonline.com
ReplyDeleteOnce you dramatically decrease calorie intake, your body begins adjusting to less food and a new homeostasis is created based on the lower calorie count. Dieting
ReplyDelete“Going for long amounts of time without eating means your body thinks it's about to be faced with a famine, so your metabolism slows down in preparation The key to keeping your metabolism fired up is to space meals out regularly throughout the day, so you benefit from the calories
ReplyDeletehttps://scotmaria114.wixsite.com/get-a-six-pack
All the Movie Teasers and Trailers will be available on youtube, hence all the viewers those who shows the interest upon it may visit the page and watch the video for few minutes. Tadapox
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a well written article. It's full of insightful information and entertaining descriptions. Your point of view is the best among many.
ReplyDeleteBreast Actives
It is in reality an exemplary show-stopper.
ReplyDeleteTanning Tips
Nice post. I used to be checking continuously this blog and I am inspired! Very helpful info specially the last part. I take care of such information much. visit our site now for diet plan and tips.
ReplyDeleteYour site fantastic, superior quality succeed... Most probably various should realize others despite that they don't take time to advise you.
ReplyDeletegarcinia cambogia
You have performed a great job on this article. It’s very precise and highly qualitative. You have even managed to make it readable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. Thank you so much. duromax funciona
ReplyDeleteI am jovial you take pride in what you write. It makes you stand way out from many other writers that can not push high-quality content like you. ชะลอการหลั่ง
ReplyDeleteThis was really an interesting topic and I kinda agree with what you have mentioned here! wedge pillows for acid reflux
ReplyDeleteBrestrogen
ReplyDeleteMmm.. good to be here in your article or post, whatever, I think I should also work hard for my own website like I see some good and updated working in your site. https://www.thenaturalremediesfordiabetes.com/diabetic-shoes-for-women/
ReplyDeleteThis blog thoroughly steps far from every one of those nonexclusive and symbolizes what elegantly composed genuinely resembles.
ReplyDeletehttps://healthworxcbd.com/
Pizza Hut menu
ReplyDeleteallfoodmenuprices.org
all food menu prices
Guestobsessed
DgcustomerFirst com
Survey Walmart Com
MyCFAvisit com
www.allfoodmenuprices.org
it was a wonderful chance to visit this kind of site and I am happy to know. thank you so much for giving us a chance to have this opportunity.. bernard bensaid
ReplyDeleteI read your blog frequently, and I just thought I’d say keep up the fantastic work! It is one of the most outstanding blogs in my opinion. womens health and fitness
ReplyDeleteThis blog has expressed its meaning in a very short but clear way, so succinct.
ReplyDeleteAnne Kepner
One of the hardest processes in body building is to gain weight. Several factors are now being considered such as body mass index, rate of metabolism and family background and these all affect apetamin syrup works in weight gain.
ReplyDeleteHaving a personal waist trainer is great. The problem is that they can be expensive and depending on the person, may not exactly connect with you in the best possible way. That's why the option to become your own personal trainer is a great one. Here's how.
ReplyDeleteThe less water that your body takes from your stool, the simpler it is for you to pass it, and the more normal your entrails move toward becoming. Also, practice accelerates your breathing and your pulse, which enables kick-to begin the regular constrictions of your intestinal muscles.
ReplyDeleteI read this article. I think You put a lot of effort to create this article. I appreciate your work. Meditation Teacher Training in India
ReplyDeleteBibliography - Paul, S. 2018. “Testofen Fenugreek Reviews: Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects Guide!” Testosteroneofficial.Com Ie. Testosterone Official. December4. https://testosteroneofficial.com/research/testofen-fenugreek/
ReplyDeleteKetosis is a normal metabolic process, something your body does to keep working. When it doesn't have enough carbohydrates from food for your cells to burn for energy, it burns fat instead. As part of this process, it makes ketones. ... For people with uncontrolled diabetes, ketosis is a sign of not using enough insulin
ReplyDeleteIf I had to use one word to describe this blog it would be GRANDILOQUENT.
ReplyDeleteseat pad
So-called “child-only” plans are health insurance policies in which no parent or guardian is covered and the policyholder is age 18 or younger. ... However, concern that parents could delay purchasing coverage for children until they got sick led some health insurance companies to stop offering child-only plans.
ReplyDeleteAfter perusing this blog, I can state that another incredible author really taking shape as of now.
ReplyDeleteGoing Here
You bear through a awesome vacancy. I sanity definitely quarry it moreover personally suggest to my buddys. I am self-possessed they determination be benefited from this scene. liquid supplement manufacturer
ReplyDeleteAcknowledges for penmanship such a worthy column, I stumbled beside your blog besides predict a handful advise. I want your tone of manuscript... Jory
ReplyDeleteHey what a brilliant post I have come across and believe me I have been searching out for this similar kind of post for past a week and hardly came across this. Thank you very much and will look for more postings from you. cbd bath bombs
ReplyDeleteThe blog delineates how hard the essayist has taken a shot at this.
ReplyDeletehemp oil benefits
Thanks for the blog loaded with so many information. Stopping by your blog helped me to get what I was looking for. Zeeva is the leading cancer hospital in India. At Zeeva we believe in providing authentic, supportive, and efficient care to patients. Majorly, we operate in three departments such as Oncology, IVF, and Women care. Nowadays, there is a cosmic need for quality healthcare and we provide just that. We solve the need by providing a holistic approach rather than a drugs alone method. We have an edge in what we do because we understand the local factors as our team belongs to this demographic. best oncologist in Delhi
ReplyDeleteWith so many books and articles coming up to give gateway to make-money-online field and confusing reader even more on the actual way of earning money, Health
ReplyDeletethanks for this usefull article, waiting for this article like this again. Health Topics
ReplyDeleteIt's as if every one has an opinion and feels they need to share it with the world. If it is in the form of advice that actually benefits us we may appreciate it and make use of it. However so much of it is way off target and just comes out sounding "preachy". Chronic Appendicitis
ReplyDeleteKeeping healthy is extremely important, no matter what age you happen to be. It's imperative that you take measures to work on your health and fitness throughout your entire life. Keto Protein Powder
ReplyDeleteAwesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles.
ReplyDeletetutu app
tutuapp download
I surely acquiring more difficulties from each surprisingly more little bit of itcbd cartridge
ReplyDeletehowdy, your sites are better than average. I value your work. personal fitness
ReplyDeleteHey, you?re the goto expert. Thanks for haingng out here. personal fitness
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice blog you have shared here. Thanks for sharing about this with us.
ReplyDeletePlease visit Call Girls in Kolkata to know why The Call girls in Kolkata are known for their dusky and fair skin tone and you can take the service from any of them according to your wish.
call girls in Kolkata
Kolkata call girls
call girl services in Kolkata
Kolkata call girl services
call girl agency in Kolkata
Kolkata call girls agency
call girl agencies in Kolkata
Kolkata call girl agencies
independent call girls in Kolkata
independent Kolkata call girls
escorts in Kolkata
Kolkata escorts
independent escorts in Kolkata
independent Kolkata escorts
An essential hotspot for the gathering of people that makes the peruser stride by step.
ReplyDeletehealth is wealth
Undoubtedly waist trainer for women are at least urgent for women who are aware of their bodies. All women want to present themselves in an attractive way. For those who spend their days in the middle of busyness, the waist coach is one of the ways to look attractive.
ReplyDeleteWaering a Best Ab Belt significantly improve abdominal strength and endurance when used five days a week.
ReplyDeleteIt is really a wonderful post. If you want to relieve your back pain, then I suggest you the best back braces that are helpful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this story,good work will continue.
ReplyDelete