It’s the most wonderful time of the year to indulge in festive holiday meals and treats.
The only thing that needs stuffing this holiday season is the turkey. Most Americans gain 1 to 5 pounds from November to December. It may not sound like a big deal, but most people are unable to shed extra pounds.
The general public is invited to participate in the 15th annual online “Eat Smart, Move More… Maintain, don’t gain!” holiday challenge. “In this free seven-week challenge, he offers strategies and resources for keeping your weight on track throughout the holiday season, rather than focusing on trying to lose it.
The Holiday Challenge begins on November 14th and runs through December 31st. Now is the time to invite friends and family to join the challenge together. Having a support system makes all the difference.
All challenge materials will be delivered directly to your inbox at the start of the program. Over the past few years, participants who actively participated in the challenge were more likely to maintain or lose weight.
Participants receive weekly newsletters, weekly challenges, healthy recipes, daily tips, access to private Facebook groups, and other tools and resources.
Tips include tips on how to survive the holiday party, manage stress during the holiday season, stay active during winter, and more.
Tools and resources include a downloadable Holiday Challenge Tracking Log that allows you to review and record your weekly weight for the challenge and measure your progress from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. A worksite guide is also available to help you implement the holiday challenges in your work environment.
Other resources include a downloadable “Cook This, Buy That” meal planner and shopping lists to make meal planning easier.
Social support is available for private Facebook communities and general Facebook pages, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. We also have a Holiday Challenge Blog for motivation and inspiration.
In 2021, more than 47,600 people from around the world participated, 1,356 of whom were Hoosiers.
At the end of last year’s Holiday Challenge, 92% of participants maintained or lost weight, 70% maintained their weight, 16% lost 3-5 pounds, and 6% lost 5 pounds, according to esmmweighless.com Over 7% weight loss and 7% weight gain. 3 to 5 pounds, 1% increased by 5 pounds or more.
Gary, 2021 Holiday Challenge Participant, said: He actually lost a pound, making this his first holiday in 20 years without gaining weight. ”
Teressa, another participant in the 2021 Holiday Challenge, said she loves baking bread and usually eats a lot with her family during the holiday season.
“I signed up because I wanted to maintain my weight, but I actually lost four pounds,” she said. “She’s become more aware of how much she’s snacking,” she said.
Just cutting back on snacks made a big difference in Teresa’s mood. She said she will do her best to keep this going through the new year.
The Holiday Challenge is provided by North Carolina State University and the North Carolina Department of Public Health partnership programs Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less and Eat Smart, Move More, Prevent Diabetes.
Register online at esmmweighless.com/sign.
