Give Yourself a GIFT This Season: You Don’t Have to Gain Weight Over the Holidays

For many Americans, the weeks between Thanksgiving and the New Year means extra pounds. We quickly convince ourselves that we will shed those pounds first thing January 2nd, but wouldn’t it be great if we could start the new year without the extra pounds to shed, or even better, lighter than we were in November? It is possible! 

You don’t have to avoid every holiday party, or eat celery and broccoli for your Thanksgiving feast. Simply approach the holidays with the belief that you can keep your goals on track and enjoy the season. Here are a few ways to make that happen; think of it as a GIFT to yourself!

G - GOALS

It’s important to remember why you started this journey, and what your goals are, both big and small. Perhaps you started with a larger goal of losing twenty pounds. You need to tap into your “why underneath the why,” so that you can remain motivated. You can also have smaller goals, like making it through the holidays and continuing to lose and not fall back into old habits. Keep your goals front and center, write them down, put them on your mirror and don’t let the familiar feels and smells of the holiday season blind you to your bigger intentions.

I - IMPROVE

It IS possible to keep making progress, even through the holidays. For most of us planning is the difference between success and failure. If you have an event or a party, wear something you feel amazing in, and even better if it is a little snug so that you don’t over eat. Bring food to contribute that is on plan. You can bring your favorite “sweet treat” or savory dish that you know won’t sabotage your efforts, and might also show someone else what they’re missing.

F - FITNESS

Oftentimes, if we feel like we aren’t eating as well as we should we also stop exercising. If you have a heavy meal, or eat some things you wish you hadn’t, don’t get lost in a shame cycle! The best thing you can do is go for a walk, get on your stationary bike, or go to the gym. Exercise is not just about burning calories, it is also a key to stabilizing mood especially when you are battling guilt for food choices. It is a gift that your body can move and you can celebrate that.

T - TREAT

Battling feelings of total deprivation can often lead to throwing up your hands and eating way too much. Plan ahead when you are going to allow yourself a treat. Don’t assign morality to the food (“this is good, this is bad”) but rather allow yourself a treat knowing that you could have more if you wanted to, but you want to keep making decisions for your good. Choose a meal where you will treat yourself and then get right back on track. Oftentimes, just knowing you will have a treat-day can keep you from over-indulging.  Non-edible treats can still feel festive - for example: a pedicure, a movie, new clothes, or new exercise shoes.

Above all, remember to stop and be grateful! Grateful for the body you have, grateful for the ability to set goals and reach them, grateful for the ability to get stronger and healthier. Try starting each day with three things you are grateful for, and then shape your goals around those gifts. This can be your best holiday season yet!