5 Healthy Holiday Tips

I LOVE CHRISTMAS. Growing up, it was a big tradition in my family, and now I love passing on those traditions to my two boys. Food, family, friends, and celebrating the birth of Jesus. What more can you ask for? Well, if we aren’t careful, we will get some serious weight gain too.

Statistics show that most people gain 5-15 pounds over the holidays, often blaming the season’s indulgences as excuses. But let’s be honest—they’re just excuses. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not here to say, “Don’t indulge” or “Put down those cookies,” but you don’t need to eat everything in sight for two weeks straight and skip all forms of exercise!

For many people, Christmas means parties, baked goods, festive drinks, and extra gravy on everything. It’s also a time when many forget or stop caring about being healthy. Yes, there are endless gatherings, open houses, and family events filled with plenty of “peer pressure,” but does that mean you should throw your health out the window and go completely off the rails? I won’t lie, I used to have that mindset, but I always regretted it afterward. Thankfully, I’ve now found a more balanced approach to enjoying the holidays and I’m going to share a few with you.

1. Eat a balanced meal before parties.

It might seem counterintuitive since parties often mean free food, but showing up hungry can lead to overeating unhealthy finger foods and desserts. Fill up on a nutritious meal beforehand so you can enjoy the party without overindulging.

2. Stay active.

Don’t let the holidays derail your fitness routine. At our gym, we’re only closed for three days during the holidays, and many gyms have similar schedules. Use this time to try out your new workout gear or get a sweat in to balance out those extra calories. If your gym is closed, try an at-home workout—quick, effective, and still a great way to stay on track.

3. Balance your treats with clean eating.

Enjoy your holiday treats, but keep your other meals full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting sugar outside of those festive moments will help offset indulgences.

4. Don’t wait for the New Year.

Saying, “I’ll start in January” is the ultimate cop-out. Why put off to tomorrow what you can do today? Whether you’re already active or just starting your fitness journey, maintaining balance during the holidays can prevent unnecessary weight gain and keep you feeling great.

5. Relax but stay mindful.

Don’t stress too much about your holiday habits, but don’t let them spiral out of control either. Enjoy your time with family and friends while keeping your health in the back of your mind.

The holidays should be a time to celebrate, not a time to undo all your progress. With a little planning and balance, you can enjoy the season and head into the New Year feeling great!