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Coco Warner ReportingAmerican's may make a resolution to diet in January, but they don't actually do it until March. A new survey shows 23% of Americans diet in January, compared to 26% in March. Researchers say March is closer to swim suit season and people are starting to reduce the amount of layers they wear.
Researchers also found most dieters don't follow a specific diet plan, rather they make up their own diet.
While dieting may not be on the top of the list, the month of January is one of the months with the highest amount of new gym memberships. Here are some random facts on dieting the survey discovered: Weight Watchers is the most popular branded diet program. Over 60% of those surveyed said they agreed with this statement: "I would like to lose 20 pounds." The survey also found there are no more dieters today than there were in 1985.
New Year's resolutions started in ancient Babylon about four thousand years ago. Back then the most popular one was to do a better job of returning farm equipment. Times may have changed, but many of us fail to resist the urge to set some goals this time of year. So if health concerns top the list of the most popular New Year's resolutions, what other goals are Utahns making this year?
So what's your resolution for 2006?
Richard Mellor: “Resolution is to get in shape as a family this year.”
Kathy Mellor: "We're going to start walking a lot. I ride the TRAX train every day. I'm going to walk to the station and back instead of driving my car."
And getting in better shape is a goal that almost everyone we talked to touched on. The majority of Americans--and Utah is no exception--make New Year's resolutions that cover health concerns. But there are others, ranging from the very serious to the not so serious.
Frank Granderson: "New year's resolutions? To hold a job and find adequate living."
Annette Wolff: "Fulfill my dream of taking a tap dancing class, but with little kids sometimes it's harder to do. So I took a beginning one last year so my goal is to hopefully take more."
Other popular resolutions are to quit smoking, get out of debt or to be a better parent.
Annette Wolff: "Probably my goal is to help my children fulfill their dreams."
Along with better health, spending more time with your family is a common goal, as is creating a better balance between work and family. Unless, of course, your job is part of your New Year's resolution.
Steven Medine, UTA Trax operator: “Ride the train more. Yes! Save on gas.”
For many riders on the TRAX train today, their New Year's resolution for 2006 was not to set themselves up for disappointment by setting a goal they know they won't meet. They're making a resolution NOT to make a resolution!
Errin Johnson: "I'm really horrible at keeping New Year's resolutions, so I decided not to make any this year-- that way I won't disappoint myself."
