At this time of year, it’s almost impossible not to participate in the world-wide sugar high, then desperately try to shed those holiday pounds starting 1/1/11. Well, guess what, Nesties? A new study out of Carnegie Mellon University has found a new (not to mention easy) way to stay fit this season: Seems counterintuitive, we know, but bear with us....

In the experiment, a group of participants imagined eating 3 M&M’s, while another group imagined eating 30 M&M’s. When it came time to actually eat the candy, those who had thought about the 30 M&M’s actually ate less than those who had imagined eating just 3. The experiment was repeated five times, with similar results each time. The point? The more you think about eating a particular food, the less you’ll actually want to eat it.

So, Nesties, it’s time to stop suppressing thoughts of cupcakes and butter cream and indulge your mind a little, or a lot. Sweet dreams!

Plus, more from The Nest:

6 Healthy Comfort Foods

Secrets to a Successful Dinner Party

How to Ditch Bad Habits

-- Caitlin Brody

See More: Hot news topics , Holiday , Diet & Fitness , Healthy Eating