The holidays are here! Time for joy, family, and, let’s be real—calories. But if you’re committed to your fitness journey, balancing your goals with holiday treats might feel like navigating a minefield made of mashed potatoes. Here’s the good news: celebrating doesn’t have to derail your progress—in fact, it might even help you in the long run. (Yes, stress-free gains are real.)
Let’s check out how some of the top fitness experts are handling the holidays. Whether their focus is maintenance, massing, or even dieting, each approach is a reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all here.
Spoiler alert: there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to do it—just the way that works best for you!
Dr. Mike’s Holiday Balance: Protein & Treats
Dr. Mike knows how to keep it flexible without losing sight of his goals. When holiday meals roll around, he starts with the protein (because gains) but isn’t shy about enjoying a few treats to fuel his training.
His strategy? Timing his phases so he can dive into the holidays totally guilt-free. For Mike, it’s all about balance—staying focused when it matters and kicking back when it’s time to relax.
Nick Shaw’s 80/20 Holiday Rule
Nick’s holiday game plan? Simple: keep his weight steady, stay active, and skip the stress. After wrapping up a diet phase, he’s ready to enjoy the holidays with family, keeping about 80% of his meals on the healthier side. The other 20%? Reserved for those special holiday moments. His philosophy? Fitness is a long game, so one slice (or three) of pie won’t throw you off track.
Dr. Melissa’s Mindful Indulgence
Melissa knows how to get the most out of every season. In the past, she went all-out during the holidays, fully embracing the food, drink, and celebration vibe. These days, she’s keeping it a bit more moderate—her plan is to enjoy mindfully and maintain her weight. For her, it’s about savoring the right moments without losing sight of her long-term goals.
Jared Feather’s Massing Mindset
Jared? He’s often massing during the holidays, which makes this season perfect for his goals. His advice? Don’t sweat a few high-calorie meals—use them to fuel some serious training. Not in control of the menu? No problem—pick lighter options and enjoy your time with loved ones. But if you’re ready to dive into all the holiday treats? Train hard and make those extra carbs work for you!
What’s Your Holiday Game Plan?
The beauty of the holiday season is that it’s your choice how you navigate it. Whether you’re taking it easy or sticking to a plan, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Some people will stay locked in for competitions, while others will enjoy every treat and tradition. And the best part? There’s no wrong way to do it!
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Know Your Priorities: Think about where you are in your fitness journey. Is this a time to relax and recharge, or are you laser-focused on a goal?
- Enjoy the Process: Even if you’re on a plan, enjoy the special moments. Share meals with family and embrace the memories being made.
- Guilt-Free Choices: Whether you indulge or stick to your usual routine, don’t let guilt creep in. Fitness is about the long haul—one holiday meal won’t derail your progress.
The holidays are a time to celebrate what really matters: connection, joy, and the memories you make with the people around you. When approached with intention, they can enhance your fitness journey, not hinder it.
From all of us at RP, have a safe and happy holiday season!