The Secret to LOSING Weight Over the Holidays
"It won't happen over night. But if you quit, it won't happen at all."
That's right, you can LOSE weight over the holiday season . . . while still fully partaking in the festivities.
I've done it myself multiple times.
Clients I worked with last year accomplished it, and I'm in the process of doing it with a bunch more clients right now.
Here's how:
Map out your holiday schedule now and plan accordingly
Lock it down hard during the "in between" days
Increase your activity level
Let's break each one down further . . .
Map out your holiday schedule now and plan accordingly
Here's what I mean by that, using myself as an example. I already know at least 75% of my holiday schedule, outlined below:
Thanksgiving
Tonight: MacKenzie siblings dinner + night out
Thanksgiving #1 with my family on 11/28
Thanksgiving #2 with Amy's family on 11/29
Total Thanksgiving Events: 3 Meals
December
Office Holiday Party 1 on 12/11
Office Holiday Party 2 on 12/18
Barbasol Boys Christmas dinner TBD date
FP Boys Christmas dinner TBD date
Christmas Eve dinner 12/24
Christmas Day dinner 12/25
New Years Eve / Anniversary Festivities TBD: let's say two big nights for this
Flex / not yet planned: 5 Meals
Total December Events: 13 Meals
I eat 3 meals per day. From today through 12/31, that's 105 total meals.
I just identified 16 meals between now and the end of the year where I will most likely overindulge. That also includes FIVE flex meals for December, which is more than should be needed, as that's a busy enough holiday schedule already.
That leaves 89 meals out of 105 where I will have a completely normal schedule.
89 / 105 = ~85%.
If you live by the 80/20 principle from a nutrition perspective, you should always remain on track with your goals.
Reminder that that means to eat nutrient dense, whole foods that are high in protein and fiber 80% of the time. The other 20% of the time you can eat whatever the heck you want.
So even with the busy schedule I outlined above, I can still stay dialed in from a nutrition perspective 85% of the time.
Lock it down hard during the "in between" days
I cannot WAIT for the in between days. I'm gonna be so friggin dialed in.
Tracking my calories and macros every day . . .
Crushing my workouts . . .
Drinking as little alcohol as possible . . .
God I'm gonna feel great during those days. And then I'm gonna enjoy the big nights even more, because I will have earned them.
When those big meals arrive, I'm gonna drink and eat whatever I want.
Increase your activity level
One of my favorite sayings is, "You can't outwork a bad diet long term, but short term, you can."
This is one of the primary rules I live by during the holiday season and vacations.
This week you went into the office MAX 1-2 days. Some of you probably none (me).
That's an extra two hours at least you're getting back every day from the commute.
Dedicate that to working out or just generally being more active.
Thanksgiving is a 4 day weekend for almost everyone.
Play some paddle with friends. Lift some weights at the gym. Do a group fitness class with friends or family while at home. Maybe even sneak in some golf, weather permitting?
Then later on in December, Christmas and New Years weeks are gonna be a complete wash. Whatever your normal in office schedule is, it's gonna be significantly less. Use that to your advantage. Use the extra time to get some extra workouts and steps in.
Commit to these three things this holiday season, and I guarantee you'll stay on track with your health goals, and even drop some lbs.
Stay well,
Hal the Health Coach
