Between the onslaught of Thanksgiving pie, Christmas desserts, and New Years’ cocktails, it can be pretty easy to pack on a few holiday pounds each year. And it’s this very time of year we often want to look and feel our best! Guess what?! You don’t have to gain that holiday weight! You can keep the weight off without major dietary restrictions or counting calories. The holidays don’t need to be a time of over-indulgence or complete restriction. To keep off the holiday pounds, practice being authentic to yourself. Find more joy in the people you’re with than in the foods you’re eating. Your love for your people will fill you up more than any dessert ever could. So, keep these ideas in mind to stay in top candid photo shape this holiday season…
Not sure what to wear to your next holiday get-together? To find the perfect party dress for EVERY body type, be sure to read all of Erin’s tips here.
Track Your Weight
To avoid holiday weight gain, keep track of your weight. By noticing small increases, you can make the changes you need to stay on track. The key is to not let the scale overwhelm you. If you find you’re weighing yourself too often, use a pair of well-fitting pants as your gauge. If you’re looking for a smart scale, I linked a great one below.
Stop the Bloat
The weight we gain during the holidays is usually only 1 or 2 pounds. But the salty foods we consume can make us look and feel heavier. To avoid holiday bloat, cut back on salty foods and focus on your hydration. Pay attention to fizzy drinks too! Champagne, sodas, and even sparkling water can cause bloating. Those bubbles can get trapped and leave your belly looking poochy.
Morning Exercise
Working out in the morning is another way to stop holiday weight gain. By getting in a workout first thing, you prime yourself to make good health and fitness decisions all day long. Those little pushes add up and can mean the difference between gaining weight (or not) during the holidays.
Be Picky
You don’t actually have to eat every treat that comes your way this holiday season. By tapping into your inner food snob, you can keep the holiday weight off. You should absolutely enjoy the treats you love, but avoid eating those that are just whaa whaa.
Journal or Meditate
It’s probably not a surprise that the holidays can be stressful. And sometimes we eat our stressed feelings. Beginning a journal, writing, or meditation practice can help you root out your real thoughts and get to the bottom of your emotions, so you don’t overindulge in the heavy comfort foods.
Start January Early
There’s no rule that says you have to wait until January to begin your new health and fitness routine. If you’re holding out on eating healthier, starting an exercise program, or changing your mindset, you’re missing a jump start on your goals. If you go into the holidays already working on a healthy eating goal, you won’t be thinking about depriving yourself in January.
Want a little extra help? Keep scrolling for some products that will keep you shining in your LBD all season long.
What are your strategies to keep off the holiday weight? Please share in the comments and let’s help each other! If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter here to have blog posts delivered directly to your inbox and gain access to exclusive content and style resources.
Thanks Julianna! Once again a reminder of common sense behavior wins! Love the idea of being food snob…. Go for the good stuff and pass on the oh hum!
Thank you, Diane! It’s a simple strategy that works.
I really enjoyed reading your blog and obviously you have mentioned very easy and yet healthy tips.
Thank you! Sometimes it really is the simple solutions that can give us the best traction. Happy Holidays and New Year to you!