Want to fully enjoy the holidays without throwing your health goals down the drain and starting over (yet again) on January 1st?

The holidays don’t have to be a two-month-long free-for-all. The truth is, most of us turn a handful of festive meals into a full-on “screw it, I’ll start over next year” season. Let’s break this down with some numbers: say you have three Thanksgiving dinners and maybe four to five Christmas meals or parties. That’s 8 special meals out of 183 total meals (assuming three meals a day) in November and December. Eight! Why are we giving those eight meals so much power?

It’s time to ditch the all-or-nothing mindset and create balance so you can actually enjoy the holidays and feel good about your health. Here are 7 things that derail your fitness journey and how to avoid them:

1. Turning a Few Meals into Two Months of “Whatever”

The Problem: It’s easy to let a few indulgent meals snowball into weeks (or months) of poor choices. You skip workouts, live off leftovers, and tell yourself you’ll start fresh in January.

What to Do Instead: Focus on what you do most of the time, not those 7-8 special meals. Cook at home whenever possible, balance your plates with protein, carbs, veggies, and healthy fats, and pay attention to portion sizes. Enjoy those festive meals guilt-free but don’t let them derail you. Progress comes from consistency, not perfection.

2. Saying Yes to Every Drink

The Problem: The holiday season often means endless opportunities to drink. Between parties and dinners, it’s easy to sip on cocktails more frequently than you realize. Unfortunately, alcohol affects your sleep, your food choices, and your overall energy—even after just one drink.

What to Do Instead: Be selective! Say no to at least half the drinks offered, and try to avoid drinking at home if you know you’ll be indulging at events. Choose the drinks you truly enjoy and savor them—skip the random punch or sugary cocktails you don’t actually love.

3. Eating Every Single Treat That Crosses Your Path

The Problem: Holiday treats are everywhere. Office break rooms, family gatherings, and festive events are all overflowing with cookies, candies, and desserts. It’s easy to grab them just because they’re there.

What to Do Instead: Live by this mantra: “Have what you LOVE, leave what you LIKE.” Think about the holiday treats that feel truly special to you—the ones that make the season magical (like grandma’s cookies or Christmas morning cinnamon bread). Say yes to those. But skip the generic store-bought desserts or things you can eat any time of year. Save your indulgence for the treats that matter most.

4. Taking the All-or-Nothing Approach

The Problem: People often think they have to avoid sweets and treats entirely or go all in. This black-and-white thinking keeps you stuck because it’s unsustainable.

What to Do Instead: Work on moderation. If sweets feel “off-limits,” you’re more likely to binge when they’re available. Start practicing balance now: allow small treats in your daily life so they lose their power over you. When you learn to enjoy a cookie without overdoing it, you’ll feel less stressed and more in control during the holidays—and you can still make progress on your goals.

5. Striving for Perfection

The Problem: The pressure to hit every workout and eat perfectly during the holidays can be overwhelming. When you fall short, it’s tempting to throw in the towel completely.

What to Do Instead: Shift your focus to maintenance instead of perfection. Maintaining your current habits, weight, or fitness routine during the holidays is a huge win! Here’s how to make it easier:

• Go for walks, especially after big meals—bring friends or family along.
• Cut your workout times in half if needed. Even 10-20 minutes keeps the habit alive!
• Plan at least one physical activity during trips—think hikes, skiing, or a quick bodyweight workout.
• Remember: 1-2 workouts a week is so much better than none. Consistency over perfection!

6. Waiting for January 1st to “Start Fresh”

The Problem: If you’re waiting for a clean slate to hit the reset button, you’re missing the point. Healthy habits aren’t seasonal—they’re a foundation. A few indulgent meals won’t erase a year of hard work.

What to Do Instead: Trust your habits. If you’ve built a solid foundation of healthy routines, a couple of extra indulgent days won’t derail you. Focus on returning to your usual habits after events without stress. Bonus tip: avoid weighing yourself too often during this time—your body fluctuates naturally, and it’s okay.

7. Assuming You Can Do It Alone

The Problem: A lot of people wait for the “perfect time” to get help—when life is less hectic or stressful. But the holidays are exactly when support and accountability are the most helpful.

What to Do Instead: Get support now. Whether it’s hiring a coach or finding a reliable accountability partner, having someone in your corner can help you strategize, stay realistic, and stick to your goals without feeling overwhelmed. It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of honesty and commitment to yourself.

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not dreaded. By ditching the all-or-nothing mindset, prioritizing moderation, and staying connected to your goals, you can head into the New Year feeling strong, confident, and proud of yourself—not starting over again. If you are looking to level up, and want some guidance, support, and accountability, our Mountain Metabolic 1:1 Coaching might be the perfect fit for you. Click HERE to apply – can’t wait to chat!

Remember: what you do most of the time is what matters. Enjoy the season, savor the moments, and keep showing up for yourself!

Happy + Healthy Trails,

Bradee