The leaves have turned color, the days are shorter and the holidays are upon us again. It is now estimated, the average American adult gains up to 11 pounds of fat between Halloween and New Year's.

Some reports say that adults gain 5 pounds from Thanksgiving to Christmas. The New England Journal of Medicine reported that even just 1 pound gained over the holidays is disconcerting. Most people never take off even that one extra pound gained during the holidays. Nonetheless, the process begins all over again with the notorious "New Year's Resolution."

How many people attempt to lose the holiday weight, only to fail? It is estimated that nearly half of adults make a New Years resolution. After six months, only 46 percent have fulfilled these commitments. John's Hopkins research has also shown that 98 percent of all diets fail in one year and the average American gains 15 pounds of fat each decade. This validates that our chances at success are bleak.

Realistically, most of us procrastinate, don't get motivated or get Christmas credit card debt paid off before starting an exercise and weight loss program in the New Year. So, it is safe to assume that the average person would need three to six months to get rid of the extra holiday weight. The result is that summer is almost on top of us before we get caught up from the holidays. One of my favorite quotes describes the definition of insanity, "Doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting a different result." After nearly 20 years in the business, I can't tell you how many times I have seen this endless cycle take place.

For those who want something different this year, use the next eight weeks to start or recommit to an exercise and diet plan. Get a support person or group that can help you stay focused during the last part of this year, when cocktail parties and family gatherings are a plenty. Finish the holidays 8-15 pounds lighter than you are now. Even if you do gain some holiday weight, you are at least the same at the start of the New Year and really have a better chance to get fit for the summer of 2012. Often, I have seen many people, including myself, who have started dropping body fat, feeling better, and decide that eating too much and splurging during the holidays just isn't worth it. After only seven days of eating healthier, your stomach adjusts to smaller portions. You just don't feel good eating poorly and excessively. I really like the saying, "Nothing tastes as good as lean feels." Remember, Thanksgiving is a "day," not a "week."

Time is like a toilet paper roll, the closer you get to the end, the quicker it goes. The New Year will be here very soon. I challenge you to get started immediately. When January arrives, you will look and feel better and you will be better off next year.

Mike Teater is the founder of the Exercise Institute.