The holiday season is undoubtedly one of the hardest times of the year to stay on track with our health and fitness goals. As the pumpkin spice pies, lattes and all other kinds of seasonal goodies come out, many people’s health resolutions tend to plummet. For me personally, October-December have been my weakest months for sticking with my diet and exercise routine for most of my life. Until last year.
Last year, by making some changes in my routine, I was able to break my prior cycle of going off the holiday deep end and throwing my fitness goals out the window until January.
Not only that but in a little over two months, I was able to drop 5% body fat and actually gain lean muscle. And guess what? I did it all without missing out on enjoying the classic holiday food, fun festivities of the season. I’m talking Halloween candy, pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes, the works. I indulged in and enjoyed it all. But I did it in a way that set me up for success in still reaching my nutritional goals along the way.
My InBody scan showing almost 5% body fat lost from 11.27.17 to 01.20.18
It was my most successful holiday season for not giving up on myself or my the health resolutions. And actually making solid, measurable progress. And without missing out on the enjoying the holiday season with friends and family. I break down how I did it and some key tips for success in this week’s Motivation Monday video that went up earlier this week on YouTube. So pull up a chair, or if you’re on the go, just hit play and listen to the video in the background!
And of course, I’d love to hear from you! Do you have any tips to add that help you stay on track over the holidays? Or maybe some strategies that you’re planning to employ this year? I’d love to hear them in the comment section below on the blog or on YouTube!
All writing and video content copyright © 2018 Rachel Elise Weems Woods
Aditi Wardhan Singh says
This is awesome. I think all your tips are great.
Reese says
Thanks girl!
Nina Bashaw Photography says
These are amazing tips and from such an awesome personal trainer. Its nice to see and a real and honest perspective on how to be healthy without sacrificing the fun of eating yummy foods!
Reese says
Thanks, girl! And I’m so looking forward to our upcoming photoshoot!
Feathers In The Woods (@la_murano) says
Awesome post and right on time as we’re heading into the holiday season and I’m hoping to NOT gaining back any of the weight I lost!
Lisa
Reese says
You can do it, girl! I am the world’s biggest comfort eater, so if I have made progress, so can you!
Sandra Negron says
Wow this is amazing! I am literally allergic to exercise and i really enjoyed how you lost the weight. Might have to actually try your method. Thanks for this!
Reese says
Haha, I think deep down everyone feels allergic to exercise! The key for me has been finding kinds of exercise I can enjoy (like Zumba!), starting small and building my way over time!
Margaret Wahl Westhoff says
That’s amazing that you were able to lose body fat over the holidays. I’m definitely guilty of gaining the typical 5 pounds over the holidays. I like your tips and allowing yourself to indulge on the specific holiday days.
Reese says
It really has been the best system for me so far! I’m such a comfort eater that I couldn’t handle just cutting out goodies from my diet forever (I would crash and give up over the holidays at some point, haha).
jemcastor says
This is great! I need your tips and motivation for this upcoming holiday. Perfect timing!
Reese says
I’m glad they were helpful!
Rachel says
Your progress looks amazing. I am going to work my booty off this holiday season. I am slowly losing and I need to keep it up.
Reese says
You can do it, girl! Slow and steady progress always wins the race!
Darlene Lebron says
Interesting post. Off to check out your video!
Reese says
Let me know how you like it!
marciemcheung says
Nice job! It’s important to stay healthy all year long, including the holidays!
Reese says
Absolutely! Those three months are an entire quarter of the year!
Amanda says
This is awesome! You did such a great job! 🙂
Reese says
Thanks, girl!
Nicole Pyles says
Great job on your progress! I think I do my best holding back on Halloween oddly but Christmas and Thanksgiving are my toughest! 🙂
Reese says
Same here! It’s a tough time of year!
Louisa Moje says
Your story is very inspiring. I tend to forget about my fitness goals once the holiday comes around. I’m going to make a conscious effort this time 🙂
Reese says
You can do it, girl!
petiteandtoned says
This is amazing, sis! Most people GAIN weight during the holidays. I’m definitely taking your advice!
xoxo,
Berniedette | PetiteAndToned.com
Reese says
So true, many people do! But it’s totally possible to change that cycle!
Clairellyn Tollefsen says
Wow, you go girl! Thanks for the tips to help the rest of us get through the holiday season.
Reese says
You are super welcome!
Becca Wilson says
This is some really great info especially with all those family meals coming up. Such great advice to be able to follow.
Reese says
Thanks, girl!
forkwardthinkingfoodinista says
Oh wow well done and good for you on your boy fat loss. I think meal planning is a great way to try and stick to a food routine xx
Reese says
You are absolutely correct!
marymakeup says
Great tips, I’m on diet since April, lost more than 10kg, I run, go to the gym 3 times a week and eat clean x
Reese says
Awesome, girl! You are killing it!
Aarika says
These are really fabulous tips for staying focus on health and fitness during the holidays while not eliminating ALL the delicious foods! 😉 Thanks for sharing these helpful ideas. Keep on being awesome!
Reese says
Aw, thank you! You are too sweet!
Amanda says
Great video! I love hearing about things on video rather than reading them, honestly! I just don’t have time to read everything. You have given me some great motivation for Thanksgiving!!
Reese says
Me too! I like that with videos, you can just listen to them in the background and go about your day!
Emily says
Awesome tips! It can be so tough to keep the weight off this time of year, so many treats to eat!
Reese says
Lots of temptations, that’s for sure!