When Halloween rolls around I start to see news reports, articles, diet commercials, Facebook posts and chatter among Facebook friends on how you can stay slim during the holidays. These news articles and fitness bloggers make it look so easy. They say to drink less sugary drinks, avoid binge eating, remember to stick with your exercise regimen and so much more. As a realist, I call BS on this and I can share with you 10 reasons it is impossible to lose weight during the holidays and I guarantee you that you will agree with me.
- Williams-Sonoma: 2 words, Peppermint Bark! Have you had Williams-Sonoma Peppermint Bark? This peppermint bark is amazing. It is so creamy and delicate that it has you coming back for more; hence making it impossible to lose weight during the holidays. Williams-Sonoma begins selling this delectable bark around Thanksgiving but they keep it in the back of the store until after Thanksgiving. Once Thanksgiving arrives, when you enter Williams-Sonoma, you are greeted by a wide variety of peppermint bark selections. It’s absolutely amazing.
- Holiday Parties: During the holidays, you might find yourself receiving multiple party invitations. No one wants to be rude and holiday parties are so much fun that you probably find yourself going to all of them and with holiday parties comes food and drinks; really good high calorie drinks. So with awesome food, good conversation and laughter paired with delicious drinks, it’s once again impossible to lose weight during the holidays.
- Family Gatherings: During the holidays, families gather together at someone’s house or a local restaurant to celebrate the holiday, but often times families are so big that you find yourself going to more than one gathering; which leads to eating incredibly large meals that taste fantastic.
- Out of Towners: When you have out of town friends and family visit you during the holidays, the last thing you want to do is cook. You find yourself seeking out the best local restaurant and ordering the most amazing dish they have and eating it all. Of course with friends and family gathering at a restaurant you have to order an appetizer and fabulous drinks.
- Leftovers: When you cook a Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s feast for your family you are bound to have leftovers. Now, keep in mind, these are not just any ol’ day of the week leftovers, these are foods you only eat around 3 times a year; also known as amazingly delicious and not so nutritious! These are the leftovers that as you are sitting and watching your favorite movie, you can hear them call your name from the fridge. How can you say ‘No’ to sweet potatoes topped with gooey marshmallows?
- The Candy Bowl: Every year these candy companies wrap their little chocolates in cute little red and green wrappers and sometimes they come out with fun flavors such as peppermint white chocolate. It is hard to resist purchasing these festive candies and I know I am not the only one because candy bowls seem to be everywhere; such as the bank, homes of neighbors and friends and on your co workers desks. As you sit and wait for your bank deposit to go through or as you sit in that awesome work meeting, these little chocolates practically jump in your lap.
- Starbucks: From the Peppermint Frapp to the Gingerbread Latte to every other fabulous holiday drink they create, a Starbucks drink is a must while you shop in the cold or while you wait in line for Santa Claus. The season does not feel the same if you are not holding that holiday Starbucks drink filled with goodness and over 400 calories of flavor.
- No Motivation to Move: I read that during the holidays you should continue your workout routine and not let anything get in your way. Coming from a girl that does not have a workout routine, I do this quite well. I do wonder however, how those that have a regular workout routine stay motivated to move; to me it seems impossible and let me tell you why. How can one move after you’ve ingested a huge and amazing meal that you’ve enjoyed with family and friends? How can one wake up early the next morning to workout after having spent an awesome and fun night drinking, a lot, at the company Christmas party? I can’t seem to understand or see how this is possible.
- Everyone Decides to Become a Baker: This is the season that everyone and their grand mother decides to become a baker. All of a sudden you are surrounded by cookies, cakes, pies and fudge. Oh dear sweet fudge! If someone leaves some home made cookies on your desk or offer to send some extra cake home with you, you can’t say, ‘no’, that would be so rude!
- Distractions: During the holidays it always seems like you are being pulled in every single direction, except for the direction of the treadmill. There always seems to be shopping that needs to be finished, presents that need to be wrapped, kids to entertain and kick off of you while they are out of school for ‘Winter Break’ and so much more. It seems like your world is spinning because of all the change that the holidays create.
I know that there are hardcore, dedicated, fitness fanatics out there that are able to stay slim and fit during the holidays and I truly applaud you. For me and many others, it is tough because we allow the holidays and festivities to overcome our world. As this holiday has already approached us, I will try to choose healthy options during the holiday season, such as ordering a glass of water (along with my giant margarita), with that said I stand by my 10 reasons it is impossible to lose weight during the holidays.
This was so fun to read. I appreciate how honest you are. I agree about those social media check-ins, definitely have to be mindful. I’m not really a fan, but I can see how they can be motivating. I don’t know what I’d confess…I love a good glass of bourbon or wine. I don’t feel guilty or unhealthy doing it, but I guess others might see it that way. Ooh, and we pick up a to-go order of sweet potatoes fries at least once a week to go along with dinner at home. My favorite! 😀
There is no dieting during December! Crossing my fingers that once January hits I will have some major motivation!
~ Ashley
That’s right about dining with friends, you do have to go all out and get the appetizer, specialty drinks, etc. lol Sometimes you might even get *gasp* dessert. 😉 Holiday Day time is hard to lose weight…everything is so tasty all around you, and a lot of it is stuff you only see once a year.
And yep, I know I commented twice, I just was stopping by to visit and was laughing at the words here again. Happy Holiday eating. 😀 🙂 😀
Yup, I agree! It is the worst time to try and lose weight. It’s a losing battle lol
It’s very very difficult indeed! I am dieting and everything looks so tempting!
This year my excuse is that I’m pregnant. LOL. Last time I’ll be able to use this excuse. 🙂
So true! This is the time of year I let loose 🙂 I have the biggest sweet tooth ever.
I totally hear you on that. I could never lose weight LOL.
I don’t even think about weight during the Holidays (I know I should). When January rolls around that is when I start feeling guilty.
I agree with them all, except Williams-Sonoma. & that’s just because I’m apparently missing out on something! 🙂
i would not say its impossible but just VERY challenging! Tons of excuses and roadblocks. I know for me it takes a lot of will power and determination. Planning ahead helps out too.
My husband is a mailman, and oh the treats he brings home! His customers spoil him rotten and we reap the benefits…and the extra few pounds. 😉
This is so true! My husband has already brought home several pies from co-workers and the temptation is just too great to resist!
I don’t think it’s hard, you just have to learn to discipline yourself!
LOL This is so funny! I agree 100% 🙂 Fun post!
The peppermint mocha from Starbucks is the sole reason I gain 5 pounds at the holidays. They are just so freaking good! I love peppermint bark, but I use my mother’s recipe!
Yeah, it’s very cold and there is tons of snow; hard to be motivated to hit the gym. But I got my membership and go at least 5 days a week, you need to discipline yourself at achieve the things you want!
My boss bakes like every few days & it’s making the rest of us well fed at work, lol. But I agree, no way to lose weight over the holidays!
Truthfully, I’m finding inspiration to move hard to find all year long…but yeah, it’s way worse at Christmas! I agree with EVERYTHING you listed, Aimee! It’s all so painfully true…the sweets are just too good to pass up! YOLO! lol
aren’t Christmas cookies calorie free? it is so hard during the holidays as sweets are everywhere.
Amen to the leftovers! We’re still working on Thanksgiving around here – and we cooked a very small feast for the holiday! I also find that I am drawn to bake lots of goodies, because, you know, holiday season = holiday recipes EVERYWHERE. I have a recipe for Chocolate Pot de Creme beside me as I type this. Decadent!
Yes! Yes! Yes! 1000 times yes! I have the worst problem with weight during this time of the year.
This made me laugh, because it seems it all starts at Halloween and doesn’t stop until after the New Year! We had a wedding this past weekend that was full of high calorie goodness! I try to keep my routine with work outs and if that’s not possible to walk or do something active so I’m not just sitting and consuming all these extra calories. You have to indulge a little. :0
It’s SO hard this time of year! I just can’t stay away from the cookies! lol!
This is a great post. It’s exactly why I never try to be healthy during the holidays. It’s not going to work anyway! I might as well enjoy the nom noms!
Sometimes stress actually eliminates my appetite. All of the different pies available can counter that though!
I love how you gave William Sonoma their own category just for the peppermint bark! hilarious! I would just like to add that even if you can make it to the gym this time of year, you still can’t escape temptation b/c all those yummy holiday recipes are on EVERY TV show AND every commercial! That’s a lot of yummy goodness to try and resist!
It’s hard for me year round. Holidays used to be really hard for me, but these days everyone knows I am struggling with my weight so they make sure they have salads and vegi platters.
Ugh. Weight. Christmas. Not good words for me. Haha but it’s OK once the holidays pass I’ll get back on track!
You are so right. The sugar, mint, dairy goodness gets me every time.
What about an article on 10 reasons it is impossible to lose weight after 30? hehe. 🙂 Great post, pinned 🙂
Or 10 Reasons It’s Impossible to Lose Weight After 3 Kids
Unfortunately I am not part of the hardcore crowd. I will deal with my pounds after the holidays
Honestly, I just give in over the holidays. It really is the worst time to attempt to lose weight!
I’m not sure if this post makes me feel better or worse LOL It’s definitely true, that’s for sure!
So true! That dang Peppermint Bark and the Peppermint Mocha’s are just too good to pass up! Fudge, Egg Nog and all of the other goodies I seem to stuff away daily just seem necessary this time of year! Diets are for January, ha!
The holiday season is against our waistine!
These are all totally legit reasons that I 100% agree with. Leading up to the holidays I am good, because I live alone and don’t bake or have as many temptations as others, plus I do a lot of work from home. BUT…when I go home it is game on for parties, food, baking, etc. I just cram it all into that 1 week I am back celebrating with family and friends. 😉
I was suppose to be on a diet during the holidays but that quickly went out the window last night when I was taste testing french desserts.
I just can’t resist the cookies. The fact that the cookies are almost gone from last night’s exchange says a lot!
Leftovers, Starbucks and Family Gatherings get me everytime! I’ve stopped trying…let the pounds roll in because I am ready to eat, laugh and enjoy whatever baking recipes anyone wants to send my way…LOL
Oh man!I have never had peppermint bark. But what gets me is I hate moving!
And I am SOLD on the Williams Sonoma’s Peppermint Bark now. Didn’t even know this existed. Oh, and Starbuck’s ALL YEAR LONG! Nothing low calorie here that’s worth ordering. Once again, you have sold me on their peppermint frapp. You are so right about everyone becoming a baker. They send baked goods as presents, which is actually a great present but it doesn’t help in the weight loss dept. Great read!
Ha ha… Williams Sonoma is awesome.. Go in and see if they have samples and just keep going back for more.. Take a few extra when they are not looking.
Such fun to read, and so so true!
Yep, pretty much. I keep telling myself it won’t happen! I’m gonna stay hopeful that I don’t *gain* weight if I’m not going to lose any.
I didn’t think it possible either!! But, Jenny Craig is helping me do this through the holidays! It is possible if you truly want it to happen. San Antonio ladies, go see Yolanda at the Bitters and 281 Jenny Craig location and tell her I sent you…no more allowing this list to be in control!
I don’t even try to diet at this time of the year! This is what New Year’s Resolutions are for so we can make all those promises to eat better and for me they usually last about a month. I just try to eat healthy when I can and not sweat the small stuff.
These are all soon TRUE!! Everyone and everything seems to revolve around food at this time of year. It’s not only food but all the specialty stuff that’s really hard to resist.
I was at a gathering tonight.. Pot-luck style and I chose to use it as my “dinner” for the evening.. So many bad food choices were made tonight.
It is so hard to lose weight or watch what you eat during the holidays! I’m already trying to curb what I eat now.
It is SOOO hard this time of the year. I pretty much gave up until January.