Tommy's Take by Tommy Pomatico 12/2
How to Stay on Track with Your Weight Loss Goals During the Holidays
The holiday season is a time of joy, family, and yes—delicious food. But it can also feel like a challenge if you're trying to stay on track with your weight loss goals. Here’s the good news: one day of indulgence won’t ruin your progress. What can derail you, however, is letting that one day spiral into weeks of overindulgence.
The holiday season is a time of joy, family, and yes—delicious food. But it can also feel like a challenge if you're trying to stay on track with your weight loss goals. Here’s the good news: one day of enjoying your favorite holiday foods won’t derail your progress. What can derail your progress, however, is letting that one day turn into a pattern of overindulgence. It’s easy to fall into the mindset of “I’ve already messed up, so why stop now?” This snowball effect can stretch one holiday meal into days or weeks of unhealthy choices, which can have a bigger impact on your overall goals than a single celebration ever could.
The key is recognizing that enjoying a holiday meal is part of life, not a setback. It’s what you do in the days that follow that truly matters for long-term success.
Get Back on Track the Next Day
The key to navigating holiday eating is to simply get back to your normal routine the day after. Resist the urge to restrict yourself or punish yourself with endless cardio. Over-restricting can create a cycle of guilt and bingeing, which does more harm than good. Instead, eat the way you normally would and keep moving forward.
Don’t Sweat the Scale
It’s common to see the scale go up after a big holiday meal, but most of that gain is water weight—not fat. The extra sodium and carbohydrates cause your body to temporarily retain water. Stay consistent, and you’ll likely see the number on the scale drop back down in a few days.
Focus on the Bigger Picture
The holidays are just a small part of your year, and one day won’t undo weeks or months of hard work. Enjoy your celebrations guilt-free, and remember that lasting results come from sustainable habits, not perfection.
This holiday season, let go of the pressure to be perfect. Savor the moments (and the meals!) with loved ones, and trust in your ability to return to your healthy habits when the festivities are over.
Happy Holidays!
Coach Tommy Pomatico
