Lifestyle
Dark January in WNY
The perception is that people blow their diet and gain fat over the holidays.
And many people do….
The US average is a gain of 5-lbs in women and 7-lbs in men between Thanksgiving and New Years.
However, in the 26-years I’ve been in this industry, and especially past 7-years that I’ve been tracking, it’s not December that I worry about – it’s January.
January in WNY is a strange month.
Yes, people have weight loss goals and healthy resolutions and many people try to improve but there is also the negative.
- It can be extremely cold
- It is very dark with lack of sunlight
- It can seem like Spring/Summer are months away
- Heavy clothes hide our bodies so we are less conscious
- It’s easier to eat more when you’re cold
I believe all of this combined leads to acute depression in some individuals. And when you are depressed – you are NOT going to do things that are good for you (like fitness & the right diet).
So how do we beat it?
- Identify that it’s a possibility so that you are more aware
- Have a plan – everything in life is easier with a plan than ‘Winging It.’ This includes diet & fitness
- Be accountable – Show up for yourself and others to take charge of your life
