We are getting close to the holiday season and I am starting to field questions on how to strategize staying on plan with so many upcoming events surrounding food (and drink). I immediately thought of a great post I read from Brad Pilon, author of Eat-Stop-Eat, a few weeks ago. His post was written around Halloween and the same can be applied to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“The big 3 reasons why I think so many people struggle with weight loss year after year…

1. Halloween
2. Thanksgiving
3. Christmas

The reason this Big three is so devastating is that they all happen within an 8 week period.

In 8 weeks a great body can turn average, and an OK body can get really bad, really quickly.

So start now. Promise yourself that by Sunday at midnight there will be NO Halloween candy in your house.

Stick to your workouts, because this is the time of year when people start to say “I just can’t find the time”. This cannot be you, you must find the time.

Enjoy your food, but be mindful of when it’s time to stop.

Look, there are no magic tricks. I wish I could tell you if you do a couple pushups before each meal then you’ll be fine and won’t gain any weight, but it doesn’t work that way.

Stay strong, these next 8 weeks are the hardest weeks out of the entire year for most people. If you win these weeks, you win the year.”

While Christmas (and Christmas Eve) followed by New Years are almost givens when it comes to absolutely using FREE MEAL strategy, there are so many other possible events leading up to these days such as functions at work or parties with friends/family/coworkers. To make matters worse, alcohol is also another factor that can derail your progress. These events can also prevent you from getting your workouts in. Don’t let it.

Depending on what your goals are over the holidays, calories consumed above your deficit will be maintenance. Calories consumed above your maintenance will be surplus.

Unfortunately the body can’t take a “time out” because it’s the holidays so be responsible with your choices, stay committed to your workouts, and understand there are also consequences to how much you fall off track.

As Brad says, “IF YOU WIN THESE WEEKS, YOU WIN THE YEAR”.