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Enjoy the season AND feel amazing—these simple habits make it totally doable.
The holidays are here…the parties, the travel, the potlucks, the “just one more cookie,” the I’ll get back on track in January energy. But here’s the truth: you can absolutely make progress and feel incredible during the holidays—not after them.
This season isn’t a six-week derailment. It’s just a handful of meals scattered across a month filled with dozens of opportunities to choose foods that fuel you, support your hormones, and help you feel strong and energized.
There are 21 meals in a typical week—even if three of them are parties, potlucks, or cookie swaps, you still have 18 meals to nourish yourself well.
That’s the FASTer Way perspective: focus on what you CAN do, not what you can’t. Small, simple habits make a massive difference, and they’re 100% doable even when life gets festive and full.
Let’s walk through the exact habits that help FASTer Way clients avoid holiday weight gain year after year—without restriction, guilt, or skipping the peppermint bark.
Start With Protein—Every. Single. Meal.
When schedules are packed and food choices feel more chaotic, protein becomes your holiday sidekick. It keeps you full, balanced, and far less tempted to graze the snack table “just because it’s there.”
Think in terms of building every meal around one solid protein source. Chicken, turkey, salmon, grass-fed beef, tuna, tofu —whatever works for you. Hit protein first, then fill in carbs and fats with intention.
Why it works so well during the holidays: Protein stabilizes blood sugar, reduces the cravings roller coaster, and keeps you satisfied longer…especially when the dessert table has its own gravitational pull.
And yes, this works whether you’re at home prepping a simple meal or at your aunt’s holiday buffet.
Lean Into Whole-Food Carbs for Steady Energy
You already know this: holiday treats are everywhere. And enjoying them mindfully is absolutely part of the season. But the foundation of your day—your “most of the time” choices—should still come from whole-food carbs that keep your digestion happy and your energy even.
Sweet potatoes, berries, quinoa, oats, carrots, peppers—these are the kinds of carbs that help you stay satisfied and grounded. They also support gut health and deliver the fiber your hormones love.
The goal isn’t to completely avoid holiday sweets. The goal is to keep quality nutrition in the mix so your body stays resilient.
Don’t Skip Healthy Fats (Your Hormones Need Them!)
Holiday meals can be heavy…or missing key nutrients altogether. Healthy fats help you feel full longer, support hormone balance, and slow digestion so you stay satisfied.
Think nuts, seeds, olives, salmon, avocado, almond butter. Add a small serving to your meals and watch how much easier it is to stay on track—especially when you’re surrounded by irresistible holiday appetizers.
Steady satiety means fewer mindless bites and more intentional choices.
Anchor Your Day With Hydration + One FASTer Way Routine
The holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about consistency. And nothing keeps you grounded like starting your day strong.
A simple morning routine might include:
- A 30-minute strength session
- A brisk walk around the office on your lunch break
- A protein-forward first meal
- A large glass of water with electrolytes
Those tiny decisions early in the day compound into a night where you feel more in control, less stressed, and more aligned with the goals you care about.
Hydration alone supports your energy, cravings, digestion, and hormone health. Start early and stay consistent.
Have a Holiday Meal Game Plan (Without Feeling Restricted)
A FASTer Way holiday plate is simple, satisfying, and totally flexible. Here’s the approach our clients swear by:
- Eat a balanced meal before you go so you don’t show up starving
- Build your first plate with protein and veggies.
- Add the indulgences you actually love—not the ones you eat because they’re there.
- Enjoy every bite mindfully, without guilt.
- Stop at comfortable fullness instead of “I need stretchy pants” fullness.
It’s not about avoiding the fun foods. It’s about approaching them with intention so you walk away feeling good, not regretful.
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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.
Enjoy the season AND feel amazing—these simple habits make it totally doable.
The holidays are here…the parties, the travel, the potlucks, the “just one more cookie,” the I’ll get back on track in January energy. But here’s the truth: you can absolutely make progress and feel incredible during the holidays—not after them.
This season isn’t a six-week derailment. It’s just a handful of meals scattered across a month filled with dozens of opportunities to choose foods that fuel you, support your hormones, and help you feel strong and energized.
There are 21 meals in a typical week—even if three of them are parties, potlucks, or cookie swaps, you still have 18 meals to nourish yourself well.
That’s the FASTer Way perspective: focus on what you CAN do, not what you can’t. Small, simple habits make a massive difference, and they’re 100% doable even when life gets festive and full.
Let’s walk through the exact habits that help FASTer Way clients avoid holiday weight gain year after year—without restriction, guilt, or skipping the peppermint bark.
Start With Protein—Every. Single. Meal.
When schedules are packed and food choices feel more chaotic, protein becomes your holiday sidekick. It keeps you full, balanced, and far less tempted to graze the snack table “just because it’s there.”
Think in terms of building every meal around one solid protein source. Chicken, turkey, salmon, grass-fed beef, tuna, tofu —whatever works for you. Hit protein first, then fill in carbs and fats with intention.
Why it works so well during the holidays: Protein stabilizes blood sugar, reduces the cravings roller coaster, and keeps you satisfied longer…especially when the dessert table has its own gravitational pull.
And yes, this works whether you’re at home prepping a simple meal or at your aunt’s holiday buffet.
Lean Into Whole-Food Carbs for Steady Energy
You already know this: holiday treats are everywhere. And enjoying them mindfully is absolutely part of the season. But the foundation of your day—your “most of the time” choices—should still come from whole-food carbs that keep your digestion happy and your energy even.
Sweet potatoes, berries, quinoa, oats, carrots, peppers—these are the kinds of carbs that help you stay satisfied and grounded. They also support gut health and deliver the fiber your hormones love.
The goal isn’t to completely avoid holiday sweets. The goal is to keep quality nutrition in the mix so your body stays resilient.
Don’t Skip Healthy Fats (Your Hormones Need Them!)
Holiday meals can be heavy…or missing key nutrients altogether. Healthy fats help you feel full longer, support hormone balance, and slow digestion so you stay satisfied.
Think nuts, seeds, olives, salmon, avocado, almond butter. Add a small serving to your meals and watch how much easier it is to stay on track—especially when you’re surrounded by irresistible holiday appetizers.
Steady satiety means fewer mindless bites and more intentional choices.
Anchor Your Day With Hydration + One FASTer Way Routine
The holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about consistency. And nothing keeps you grounded like starting your day strong.
A simple morning routine might include:
- A 30-minute strength session
- A brisk walk around the office on your lunch break
- A protein-forward first meal
- A large glass of water with electrolytes
Those tiny decisions early in the day compound into a night where you feel more in control, less stressed, and more aligned with the goals you care about.
Hydration alone supports your energy, cravings, digestion, and hormone health. Start early and stay consistent.
Have a Holiday Meal Game Plan (Without Feeling Restricted)
A FASTer Way holiday plate is simple, satisfying, and totally flexible. Here’s the approach our clients swear by:
- Eat a balanced meal before you go so you don’t show up starving
- Build your first plate with protein and veggies.
- Add the indulgences you actually love—not the ones you eat because they’re there.
- Enjoy every bite mindfully, without guilt.
- Stop at comfortable fullness instead of “I need stretchy pants” fullness.
It’s not about avoiding the fun foods. It’s about approaching them with intention so you walk away feeling good, not regretful.
Subscribe to our blog
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique.
How Do I Avoid Holiday Weight Gain?
Enjoy the season AND feel amazing—these simple habits make it totally doable.
The holidays are here…the parties, the travel, the potlucks, the “just one more cookie,” the I’ll get back on track in January energy. But here’s the truth: you can absolutely make progress and feel incredible during the holidays—not after them.
This season isn’t a six-week derailment. It’s just a handful of meals scattered across a month filled with dozens of opportunities to choose foods that fuel you, support your hormones, and help you feel strong and energized.
There are 21 meals in a typical week—even if three of them are parties, potlucks, or cookie swaps, you still have 18 meals to nourish yourself well.
That’s the FASTer Way perspective: focus on what you CAN do, not what you can’t. Small, simple habits make a massive difference, and they’re 100% doable even when life gets festive and full.
Let’s walk through the exact habits that help FASTer Way clients avoid holiday weight gain year after year—without restriction, guilt, or skipping the peppermint bark.
Start With Protein—Every. Single. Meal.
When schedules are packed and food choices feel more chaotic, protein becomes your holiday sidekick. It keeps you full, balanced, and far less tempted to graze the snack table “just because it’s there.”
Think in terms of building every meal around one solid protein source. Chicken, turkey, salmon, grass-fed beef, tuna, tofu —whatever works for you. Hit protein first, then fill in carbs and fats with intention.
Why it works so well during the holidays: Protein stabilizes blood sugar, reduces the cravings roller coaster, and keeps you satisfied longer…especially when the dessert table has its own gravitational pull.
And yes, this works whether you’re at home prepping a simple meal or at your aunt’s holiday buffet.
Lean Into Whole-Food Carbs for Steady Energy
You already know this: holiday treats are everywhere. And enjoying them mindfully is absolutely part of the season. But the foundation of your day—your “most of the time” choices—should still come from whole-food carbs that keep your digestion happy and your energy even.
Sweet potatoes, berries, quinoa, oats, carrots, peppers—these are the kinds of carbs that help you stay satisfied and grounded. They also support gut health and deliver the fiber your hormones love.
The goal isn’t to completely avoid holiday sweets. The goal is to keep quality nutrition in the mix so your body stays resilient.
Don’t Skip Healthy Fats (Your Hormones Need Them!)
Holiday meals can be heavy…or missing key nutrients altogether. Healthy fats help you feel full longer, support hormone balance, and slow digestion so you stay satisfied.
Think nuts, seeds, olives, salmon, avocado, almond butter. Add a small serving to your meals and watch how much easier it is to stay on track—especially when you’re surrounded by irresistible holiday appetizers.
Steady satiety means fewer mindless bites and more intentional choices.
Anchor Your Day With Hydration + One FASTer Way Routine
The holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about consistency. And nothing keeps you grounded like starting your day strong.
A simple morning routine might include:
- A 30-minute strength session
- A brisk walk around the office on your lunch break
- A protein-forward first meal
- A large glass of water with electrolytes
Those tiny decisions early in the day compound into a night where you feel more in control, less stressed, and more aligned with the goals you care about.
Hydration alone supports your energy, cravings, digestion, and hormone health. Start early and stay consistent.
Have a Holiday Meal Game Plan (Without Feeling Restricted)
A FASTer Way holiday plate is simple, satisfying, and totally flexible. Here’s the approach our clients swear by:
- Eat a balanced meal before you go so you don’t show up starving
- Build your first plate with protein and veggies.
- Add the indulgences you actually love—not the ones you eat because they’re there.
- Enjoy every bite mindfully, without guilt.
- Stop at comfortable fullness instead of “I need stretchy pants” fullness.
It’s not about avoiding the fun foods. It’s about approaching them with intention so you walk away feeling good, not regretful.
Get simple done-for-you meals, crowd-pleasing dishes, and smarter swaps that keep your energy high and your digestion happy—without sacrificing flavor or tradition.
Swap Sugary Drinks for Festive Mocktails
Sugary beverages are sneaky. They spike cravings, mess with blood sugar, and often leave you feeling sluggish. But you don’t have to stick with plain water to stay on track—a good mocktail gives you all the festive vibes without the crash.
Instead of sugary cocktails, build your own hydrating holiday drinks with simple FASTer Way–friendly add-ins like:
- Sparkling water for bubbles without the sugar
- FASTer Way Hydration for electrolytes and natural flavor
- A splash of apple cider vinegar for gut-friendly tang
- Fresh lime or lemon juice for brightness
- Muddled herbs (mint, rosemary, basil) for a festive twist
- Frozen berries for natural sweetness and color
You still get the ritual and the fun—without the sugar crash.
If you want fun without the sugar crash, our Holiday Mocktail Guide is your new best friend. These pair beautifully with intermittent fasting the next morning, helping your digestion recover and keeping inflammation low.
Download the Holiday Mocktail Guide
Use Intermittent Fasting to Reset After Bigger Meals
One indulgent meal doesn’t undo your progress. FASTer Way clients hear this all the time because it’s true. What matters most is what you do afterwards—and intermittent fasting is one of the simplest, most effective reset tools in your holiday toolkit.
FASTer Way recommends a 16 hour fasting window (or 12-14 hours depending on your unique circumstances and goals). You’re not starving yourself—you’re simply giving your digestive system a break so your hormones, gut, and metabolism can recalibrate.
Here’s how to put fasting to work after a bigger meal:
- Stop eating after dinner and sip water or herbal tea for the rest of the evening.
- Delay your first meal the next day until you naturally feel hungry. Most clients land around 10am–11am after a holiday dinner.
- Break your fast with balance: protein + fiber-rich carbs + healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar and avoid the “post-fast crash.”
- Hydrate early and often, especially with FASTer Way Hydration to replenish electrolytes.
Why it’s so powerful: fasting lowers inflammation, supports gut motility, improves insulin sensitivity, and helps your body move out of “holiday bloat mode” and back into steady, clean-burning energy.
Most clients wake up after a fast feeling refreshed, lighter, and energized—not stuck in a slump or spiraling into guilt. It’s one of the easiest ways to move forward without needing a hardcore “reset.”
Keep Moving (Even in Tiny, Simple Ways)
Movement doesn’t need to be long or complicated to be effective—especially during the busiest season of the year.
A 30-minute strength circuit while dinner is in the oven.
A walk with family after a meal.
A quick Pilates flow while laundry runs.
It all counts. Truly.
Movement boosts insulin sensitivity, improves energy, stabilizes mood, and offsets some of the extras this season naturally brings.
Your Holidays Can Feel Lighter—Not Heavier
You don’t need restriction, guilt, or an intense reset in January to “fix” the holidays. FASTer Way habits help you enjoy the parties and protect your progress.
Because this season isn’t about perfection—it’s about intention.
So enjoy the meals. Sip the mocktails. Make the memories. And know that every time you choose protein, hydrate early, take a walk, build a balanced plate, or hit your FASTer Way workout, you are actively supporting your hormones, your metabolism, and your long-term goals.
These habits don’t just prevent holiday weight gain—they help you finish the year feeling strong, empowered, and proud of how you showed up for yourself.
You’ve got everything you need to thrive this season—and FASTer Way is here to support you every step of the way.
Related Resources:
- Healthy Holiday Entertaining: Festive Recipes That Actually Burn Fat
- Sweat Before the Sweets: Quick Workouts to Offset Holiday Calories
- The Ultimate Guide to Staying on Track With Holiday Travel & Family Meals
Start the New Year Strong
The holidays don’t have to slow you down. When you practice a few simple FASTer Way habits now, you walk into January with energy, confidence, and real momentum.
If you want a plan to follow and a coach to guide you, our next FASTer Way Program is the perfect place to begin. Learn how to fuel, train, and support your hormones so you feel strong well beyond the holiday season.
Join the next FASTer Way Program and start the New Year with a plan that works.
