In a shift from previous years, a new survey conducted by Herbalife and OnePoll indicates that 72% of Americans, out of the 2,000 surveyed, plan to indulge in the joys of the holiday season without worrying about their diet.
This marks a significant increase from last year’s 54%. The results shed light on an evolving attitude toward year-end festivities and holiday diet concerns.
Interestingly, respondents in the “Writing Off the End of the Year” survey anticipate gaining an average of eight pounds by the conclusion of the year, compared to the five and a half pounds predicted in the previous year’s survey.
Interesting Eating Patterns And Holiday Diet
The study, commissioned by Herbalife, also reveals that 50% of participants have eaten so much during the holiday season that they had to loosen a belt or undo a button, while 35% admitted to consuming to the point of feeling sick.
The survey further highlighted some intriguing eating patterns during the holiday season, with 47% having consumed more than three meals in a day, 42% indulging in more than one dessert at a meal, and 59% opting for more than one serving of the same meal in a day.
Notably, 66% of respondents use the year-end period as an excuse to postpone their commitment to a healthy lifestyle—a 24% increase from the previous year. This delay in prioritizing health is reflected in the survey’s findings, as 72% admit to breaking a diet during this time, with 48% attributing the lapse to the allure of holiday food.
Looking back at the previous year, 78% of participants confessed to gaining weight during the holidays, and 38% still carry some of those extra pounds into 2023. Despite the indulgence, 68% express confidence in reinstating healthy habits in the new year. On average, respondents anticipate taking around 19 days to get back on track with their health goals or establish new ones.
Dr. Kent Bradley, Herbalife’s Chief Health and Nutrition Officer, emphasizes that the end of the year should be a period focused on family, friends, and self-care. He encourages individuals to identify specific, achievable actions to improve their health and mindset, urging them to involve friends and family in their health journey.
As part of this positive outlook for the new year, 47% of respondents plan to make a New Year’s resolution for 2024, compared to 32% who planned to make one for 2023.
The top resolutions include eating healthier (68%), exercising more (66%), and getting more sleep (56%). Other priorities are focusing on self-care (54%) and saving money (53%).
The survey also explores specific changes respondents plan to make in their diets in the new year. Incorporating more fruits and vegetables tops the list, followed by considering a vegan lifestyle.
A more flexitarian approach, involving less meat consumption without fully adopting vegan or vegetarian principles, ranks third among the healthy changes anticipated for 2024.
In conclusion, as 2023 draws to a close, Americans seem to be embracing a more relaxed attitude toward their diets during the holiday season, recognizing the importance of enjoying festive moments without undue concern.
The new year is anticipated as a time for positive resolutions, with a focus on overall well-being and healthier lifestyle choices.
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