How to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain: 25 Simple Tips

Discover how to avoid holiday weight gain with these 25 simple tips. Learn how to stay festive, fit, and fabulous this holiday season.

Holidays are a jolly time, but oh, the struggles to avoid holiday weight gain! It’s like a never-ending buffet of tempting treats. We battle the gingerbread armies and marshmallow snowmen, hoping our willpower doesn’t melt away like a snowflake in the sun. But fear not, with a few smart strategies and a sprinkle of determination, we can enjoy the festivities without turning into a holiday ham. So, embrace the holiday spirit, dodge the calorie traps, and have a healthier and happier celebration!

25 Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Let’s dive in and uncover 25 simple tips that will help you stay on the nice list when it comes to your weight. 🎅🎁

TIP #1: Practice Intermittent Fasting

This is Tip #1 on my list for a very good reason and that is because intermittent fasting has been incredibly life-changing for myself and so many others. Intermittent fasting can be a very valuable strategy to prevent weight gain during the holidays. By establishing designated eating windows, individuals can maintain control over their calorie intake and food choices. This approach encourages mindfulness and reduces the likelihood of overindulging during meals.

With intermittent fasting, you really can have your cake, and eat it too! Intermittent fasting provides an eating plan with clear boundaries, helping individuals strike a balance between indulging in holiday treats and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

CLICK HERE to learn everything you need to know about intermittent fasting and how to get started!

TIP #2: Get Plenty of ZZZZZ’s

Did you know that a common cause of weight gain is sleep deprivation? Getting enough sleep during this time of year keeps your cravings in check and your energy high, so you can sleigh the holiday season without overindulging.

TIP #3: Hydrate

Drinking a glass of water  is one of the best ways to stay on track with your weight maintenance goals. When we drink enough water, it helps us feel full, so we’re less likely to overeat, and it helps our body work properly, so we can stay active and burn calories. And, try giving sparkling mineral water a try. It really is an amazing appetite suppressant.

TIP #4: Portion Control

Feel free to enjoy your favorite holiday foods but make it a priority to keep serving sizes in check. Keeping an eye on portion sizes during the holiday season is a smart strategy to avoid holiday weight gain. It helps you savor the festive flavors without overindulging and ensures you can enjoy all the treats in moderation.

TIP #5: Weigh Yourself 2-3 Times a Week

Weighing yourself more often during the holiday season can help you stay mindful of any weight changes and address them right away. It provides accountability and empowers you to make conscious choices.

TIP #6: Prioritize Protein & Fill Up on Fiber

Prioritizing protein and consuming fiber-rich foods are crucial strategies when aiming to prevent weight gain during the holiday season. Protein helps promote satiety and preserve muscle mass, ensuring you feel full and satisfied after meals. Including lean protein sources like chicken and fish can help curb hunger pangs and prevent overeating.

Additionally, lean protein supports muscle maintenance, which can offset some of the potential weight gain associated with holiday feasting.

Pairing protein with fiber-rich foods such as weight-loss friendly vegetables and low-carb fruits further enhances feelings of fullness and stabilizes blood sugar levels. Fiber adds bulk to meals without adding excess calories, contributing to prolonged satiation.

TIP #7: Stay Active

Staying active during the holidays is your secret weapon against unwanted weight gain. It’s extremely important to stay active with plenty of non-food fun activities. These activities help you burn off those festive treats, while keeping your spirits high, making it easier to enjoy the season without guilt. Maintain your regular exercise routine or engage in plenty of fun holiday-themed physical activities.

TIP #8: Eat a Snack Before Partying

Having healthy snacks before heading to a holiday party can be a real lifesaver. It tames your hunger and keeps you from overindulging on less healthy treats at the event. Plus, you’ll have more control over your choices when you’re not super hungry.

TIP #9: Get Nutty

Snacking on nuts during the holidays can be smart because they’re filling and help control your appetite. This can really help you to eat less at parties. They’re also a healthier choice compared to sugary treats often found during the festive season.

TIP #10: Limit Alcohol Consumption

Limiting alcoholic beverages during the holidays is a good idea because it can lead to overeating and poor food choices. It’s easier to make healthy decisions when your judgment isn’t clouded by too many alcoholic drinks.

TIP #11: Eat Veggies Like a Boss

Eating plenty of vegetables during the holiday season is a very smart strategy to help keep your weight in check. They’re packed with nutrients, fiber, and fewer calories, helping you stay satisfied and avoid unwanted holiday pounds. Plus, their vibrant colors add a festive touch to your plate!

TIP #12: Steer Clear of Buffets

Avoiding buffets during the holiday season can save you from overeating and packing on extra pounds. When faced with endless options, it’s easy to fill your plate with more than you need, so choosing single-serve portions can help you enjoy the festivities without going overboard.

TIP #13: Plan Ahead

Planning ahead during the holiday season is an effective weight management strategy. When you decide what to eat before the party, you’re less likely to reach for unhealthy options and more likely to stay on track with your body weight goals. Make a plan BEFORE you indulge and then stick to your plan.

TIP #14: Brush Your Teeth Often

Brushing your teeth right after eating a big meal can definitely help curb food cravings during the holidays. Additionally, brushing your teeth often makes your mouth feel fresh and clean, reducing the temptation to snack on extra treats.

TIP #15: Share the Sugar

Sharing the sugar is a smart and enjoyable strategy for avoiding weight gain while indulging in unhealthy foods and holiday treats. Splitting a dessert with a someone you love is the best way to enjoy the flavors and experience together while also practicing portion control. Additionally sharing, you can satisfy your sweet tooth while simultaneously being mindful of your caloric intake.

TIP #16: Practice Mindful Eating

Practicing mindful eating is a valuable strategy to avoid weight gain and fully enjoy your holiday experience. By being present and attentive during meals, you can savor the flavors, textures, and aromas of indulgent foods. This helps prevent overeating by allowing your body to recognize its fullness cues.

Taking the time to chew slowly and appreciate each bite gives your brain the opportunity to register satisfaction. This reduces the likelihood of consuming excess calories. Mindful eating also encourages you to make intentional food choices, opting for nutrient-dense options that align with your health goals.

TIP #17: Bring Your Own Healthy Dishes

Bringing your own healthy dishes to holiday parties is a very smart strategy. It ensures that you have nutritious options to enjoy, reducing the temptation to overindulge in less healthy foods and helping you stay on track with your goals.

TIP #18: Leave the Grazing to the Cows

Avoiding food grazing during the holidays can keep your calorie intake in check. Instead of continuous nibbling, having a planned holiday meal (preferably on a smaller plate) allows you to better manage your portions and maintain a healthier balance in your diet.

TIP #19: Take a Chill Pill

Although it can be a challenge, staying relaxed and stress-free during the holidays can be helpful for avoiding weight gain. This is because stress can easily lead to emotional eating. Manage stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing. By managing holiday stress, you’re less likely to turn to comfort foods, making it easier to maintain a balanced healthy diet and avoid those extra holiday pounds.

TIP #20: Cheat with Smart Swaps

Making small changes by swapping high-calorie, unhealthy foods for lower-calorie, healthy options is a smart way to enjoy holiday meals without the extra calories. Choosing nutritious alternatives is an easy way to help you stay satisfied and on the path to your weight goals while savoring the holiday spirit. This way, you can savor the festive flavors without overdoing it and still stay on track with your weight loss goals.

TIP #21: Spread Love with Leftovers

During the holiday season, spread the love by sharing your leftover treats with friends and family. This can be a great way to avoid overindulging. What a great way to spread the joy of delicious food and keep those tempting leftovers out of your sight and reach, making it easier to stick to your healthy eating plan.

TIP #22: Practice Gratitude

Reflect on the true meaning of the holiday season to reduce emotional eating. Spend time socializing with loved ones. Focus on deeply connecting with friends and family rather than solely focusing on the food.

TIP #23: Apple Cider Vinegar to the Rescue

Apple cider vinegar is an amazing health and weight loss tool with incredible benefits. I have been breaking my fast every day for the last three years with BRAGG Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.

During the holiday season, sipping on apple cider vinegar can be helpful for avoiding extra weight. This tangy drink helps control your hunger, making it easier to say no to too many cookies and candies. Plus, it can help balance your blood sugar levels, keeping those sweet cravings in check.

CLICK HERE to snag a copy of my 7-Ingredient ACV Fat-Burning Weight Loss Cocktail Recipe! Or you can CLICK HERE to watch exactly how I make this awesome recipe!

TIP #24: Be Realistic

If you are actively trying to lose weight, put that goal on hold during the holiday season. Be realistic and shoot for maintaining your current healthy weight instead of worrying about weight loss during the holidays. This will remove pressure, lower stress levels and anxiety, and allow you to have a more relaxing holiday season.

TIP #25: Be Forgiving

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up and reach for an extra scoop of green bean casserole or an extra slice of pecan pie. Forgive yourself and simply get back on track the next day.

The Final Jingle

With these 25 simple tips, you can easily sleigh the holiday season without any extra baggage! Have your pumpkin pie and eat it, too, but don’t forget those veggies, extra protein and apple cider vinegar. Remember, it’s not about missing out; it’s about savoring the season with a sprinkle of smart choices.

Remember, the holidays are a time for enjoyment and celebration. So, go forth, jingle all the way, and stay merry and light throughout the holiday season!

And… if you’re ready to go ALL IN and finally lose weight and get healthy FOR GOOD, I’m totally here for YOU! In my INTERMITTENT FASTING and WEIGHT LOSS MASTERCLASS: 6 Weeks to Sexy, I will teach you step-by-step, week-by-week, exactly HOW I lost 46 Pounds in 4 Months with Intermittent Fasting! I’ll share with you every single TIP, TRICK, RECIPE & STRATEGY that I used to reach my goal weight and maintain for over two years now! CLICK HERE if you’re ready to do this TOGETHER!