3 Tips to Stay Motivated with Your Weight Loss Goals as the Holidays Approach

The holiday season can challenge even the most dedicated people when it comes to sticking to their health goals. We want to provide you with some practical tips to stay motivated during November and December, such as setting realistic expectations, celebrating small victories, and focusing on the bigger picture of your improved health. 

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1. Set realistic expectations

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The holiday season is a busy, high-energy time with many additional demands, making it easy to set goals that might be too ambitious or inflexible. Giving yourself realistic, achievable expectations can help you stay consistent without unnecessary stress.

• Be Kind to Yourself: Remember that the holiday season is only a few weeks out of the year. Giving yourself some grace to enjoy the celebrations, within reason, won’t undo your hard work. A balanced mindset helps keep motivation high and guilt low.
• Balance Enjoyment and Moderation: You don’t have to skip every treat or celebration to stay on track. Plan for moments to enjoy special foods mindfully. Making a “game plan” with your dietitian for meals and gatherings can help you enjoy without going overboard.

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2. Celebrate small victories

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We encourage you to celebrate even small steps forward during this busy time of year.  You may not be hitting huge milestones right now, and that’s ok.  Maintenance can actually be a victory too.  Acknowledging these achievements can reinforce your motivation and remind you of your commitment.

• Set Daily or Weekly Goals: Short-term goals can keep you on track and motivated. This can include things like drinking enough water each day, getting 40 minutes of exercise each day, or making sure to get your meal replacements each day. These smaller goals are easy to track and build confidence.
• Recognize Milestones, No Matter the Size: Celebrating even the tiniest wins, like turning down second helpings or making non-starchy vegetables ½ your plate at a meal, adds up. Small victories build momentum and remind you of the progress you’re making, which is essential for long-term success.
• Find Joy in Health-Oriented Wins: View non-scale victories, like feeling more energetic, sleeping better, or managing stress better, as worthy of celebration. Health goals encompass many areas, so it’s empowering to recognize improvements beyond weight or appearance.

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3. Focus on the big picture - progress over perfection 

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A common holiday pitfall is the “all-or-nothing” mentality, where one slip-up might lead to abandoning goals entirely. Instead, adopt a progress-over-perfection mindset, which allows you to enjoy the season while staying on track.

• Embrace Flexibility: During the holidays, flexibility can be your best tool. If you miss out on exercise one day, adjust your routine to fit it in the next day rather than giving up. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim to keep a general balance.
• Reflect on Long-Term Goals: Remind yourself of why you started on your health journey in the first place and report this to your dietitian health coach. Think about how your choices today will help you feel better tomorrow, during the holidays, and beyond. Reconnecting with your "why" can provide the boost you need when temptation or discouragement arises.
• Plan for the Day After: If a holiday meal or social event doesn't go as planned, it is just a speed bump on your journey.  Focus on getting back on track the next day. Instead of dwelling on what you could have or should have done differently, take the opportunity to make a fresh start.

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Wrapping Up: Remember, You’re in Control

The holidays bring unique challenges, but they’re also an opportunity to reinforce your commitment to a healthier lifestyle. By setting realistic expectations, celebrating your progress, and keeping the bigger picture in mind, you can enjoy this holiday season while staying on track. Remember, progress over perfection will carry you farther than aiming for a flawless journey—one step at a time!

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