Healthy Habits to Beat Holiday Weight Gain

October 13, 2025

Marissa Bergen

The holidays are just around the corner. This time of year can be joyous but also stressful. In addition to rushing to get everything done, some are concerned about their eating habits. Will they be able to resist all the delicious food that will taunt them at parties, workplaces, and even at home? Resisting temptation can be tough, but with the right healthy habits, you can avoid overeating and maintain your desired weight.

Supplements Can Help

Although you should be wary of any “magic solution” claiming to totally curb your appetite or cause the pounds to fall off without any effort, there are natural supplements that support weight loss. Here are some we recommend.

Zahler Multivitamin Metabolism: Zahler creates health products prioritizing natural purity and transformative wellness. Their Multivitamin Metabolism may increase the body’s ability to use fat as energy and boost the metabolic rate, so you burn calories faster.
NutriDyn Ultimate Fat Burner: NutriDyn offers science-backed products that support well-being. Their Fat Burner contains L-carnitine, chromium picolinate, and African mango, which may support healthy weight loss combined with diet and exercise.
Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Organic Fiber: For over 25 years, Garden of Life has been developing products that feature whole, natural ingredients. The brand’s Organic Fiber promotes optimal digestion, gut health, and healthy blood sugar levels during the holiday season.

Find more natural weight management supplements on the Natural Healthy Concepts website.

How Bad is Weight Gain During the Holiday Season?

Many people gain weight during the holiday season, despite their best intentions. A 2017 study review reveals that the period from the last week of November to the first or second week of January is the worst for weight gain. The pounds can even add up for self-motivated people and those trying to lose weight. There were limited studies on children and adolescents. However, it was found that college students tend to gain body fat rather than weight during this time of year.

What Healthy Habits Combat Weight Gain?

The temptation during the holiday season is tough, but certain healthy habits can help you keep your weight under control. Here are a few good eating habits you can implement in your lifestyle.

Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating requires paying attention to each bite. This helps you monitor how much you're eating and recognize when you’re full, so you don’t overeat.

Control Portions

When holiday tables are set with piled plates of delicious food items, it’s easy to overdo it. However, portion control is vital in preventing weight gain. You can achieve portion control by:

Using small plates.
Measuring portions with cups, spoons, scales, or even your hand.
Waiting at least 20 minutes before going in for seconds gives your body time to feel full.

Eat Fibrous Foods

In addition to supporting food elimination, foods rich in fiber make you feel fuller, so you are less likely to overdo it at mealtime.

Stick to a Regular Food Schedule

You may be eating more, but don’t make up for it by skipping breakfast, lunch, or dinner. When you deprive yourself of regular meals, you are more likely to overindulge when you do eat.

Don’t Deprive Yourself

Depriving yourself of delicious treats may lead to increased cravings and binge eating. Indulge in small servings instead of avoiding the foods you want to eat.

Choose Healthy Foods

Many of us will likely head for the savory comfort foods instead of the salads and veggies. However, adding healthy foods to your plate often means you can enjoy a satisfying meal with less calorie consumption. Additionally, once you get a taste for these foods, it becomes easier to incorporate them into your diet.

Freeze Leftovers

It’s hard enough to avoid overeating at holiday meals. But leftovers mean delicious food is available 24/7. Storing leftovers in the freezer makes them less accessible and minimizes mindless snacking. You may also give leftovers to your guests to avoid temptation.

Consider Your Holiday Beverages

Many of us focus on the food we eat without considering how beverages can increase calories. Mixed drinks, eggnog, wine, punch, and ciders are all highly caloric. While it may be okay to indulge in small measures, consider switching to water at some point in the evening.

Make Sleep a Priority

With the holiday season being so insane, many of us miss out on quality sleep. However, poor sleep can disrupt hormonal balance, increase appetite, and motivate us to exercise less. Aim to get good sleep during the holiday season by winding down before bedtime and following a regular sleep schedule.

Natural Healthy Concepts Can Help You Manage the Holiday Season

The holiday season can be tough, but Natural Healthy Concepts has got you covered. In addition to weight management products, we offer items that reduce stress and support overall wellness. Explore our selection or book a consultation with one of our practitioners to learn more about how we can help you improve your quality of life.

FAQs

How much physical activity do I need to burn off my holiday meal?

The amount of physical activity you need to burn off a holiday meal varies depending on the number of calories you consume. According to Harvard Health, 12 minutes of walking or six minutes of running can burn five pigs in a blanket. Eight minutes of walking or four minutes of running can burn off five tablespoons of gravy.

How long does it take to lose holiday weight gain?

The amount of time it takes to lose holiday weight gain depends on how much weight you gained over the holiday season, your metabolism, and your weight loss efforts. However, most people who follow a healthy diet and exercise routine will lose about 1 to 2 pounds a week, achieving their weight loss goals by early spring.

Why do you bloat so much on holiday?

Part of your holiday weight gain could be caused by bloat, which occurs when you eat foods high in fat, salt, and sugar. Certain vegetables and artificial sweeteners can also trigger gas.

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