The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, with fun, family, friends, and food at the centre of it all. Days of parties, late nights, big meals, and desserts can make it look like you gained extra weight overnight.

In many cases, holiday weight isn’t always body fat. The extra weight you notice right after the holidays is largely caused by bloating, increased glycogen, water retention, and digestion changes, not always permanent fat gain. 

That said, holiday weight gain can sometimes become real weight if this continues for weeks. The good news is that once you understand what’s happening in your body, you can respond the right way.

In this guide, we’re going to talk all about holiday weight gain, if it’s temporary, and how to lose it fast. 

What Is Holiday Weight Gain?

Holiday weight gain is the extra pounds you notice during or after the holiday season. This usually comes from a mix of food, snacks, alcohol, limited movement, and disrupted routines. 

Holiday foods are often higher in sodium, which may make your body hold onto water. This also includes more carbs like bread, potatoes, pasta, and more. Carbs are stored in your body as glycogen, and glycogen naturally holds water, which means more weight. 

When you eat more than usual, especially heavy meals, your digestive system may slow down. This can lead to bloating, stomach fullness, or irregular bowel movements. So, even if you didn’t eat too much fat, your body may still feel heavier. 

Is Holiday Weight Gain Temporary?

In many cases, yes. Holiday weight gain is temporary, but it can depend. If the holiday season created a consistent calorie surplus over time, some of the gain can be real body fat. If you continue to eat the way you did during the holidays, you will gain real weight. 

Combined with a lack of physical activity, your holiday weight gain can become permanent.

However, if you return to your normal routines, eat healthy portions and foods, and get some exercise in, you can slowly reduce the extra pounds. A good place to start is by seeking professional help. 

Our personal trainers in Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, and Knutsford can give you the start you need. 

How Long Does It Take to Lose Holiday Weight?

You may see a drop within a few days to about a week after returning to normal habits. This includes going back to:

• Regular meals

• Less alcohol

• Normal movement

• Regular hydration

• Foods with less sodium and carbs

Tips on How to Lose Holiday Weight Fast

Now that we know what holiday weight gain is, it’s time to learn about the best ways to lose it quickly. Here are a few tips from our personal trainers and coaches:

1. Reset Your Routines

The fastest way to recover from holiday weight gain is to get back to your usual routines as soon as possible. That means eating regular meals, sleeping at a consistent time, and returning to your normal schedule. 

Sleep is one of the most important routines for recovery, as enough sleep can regulate hunger and metabolism. 

2. Focus on Hydration

Because holiday foods have high amounts of sodium and carbs, drinking enough water throughout the day can be helpful. It supports digestion and reduces bloating, helping you lose some of the holiday weight. Proper hydration also helps you feel more energised and reduces cravings. 

3. Eat Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are naturally high in water, fibre, and nutrients, essential for a post-holiday reset. They help you feel full without adding a lot of calories, helping with weight loss. Fruits and vegetables also support digestion, but do eat moderately, as some fruits can be high in sugar. 

4. Resume Normal Activity

You don’t need extreme workouts to lose holiday weight fast. Even daily short walks can be enough for some activity. You can also do some sports, exercise, or even enrol in a dedicated weight loss training programme to burn off some extra calories and improve energy. 

Having one of our personal trainers to guide you through routines and workouts can help you shed that holiday weight in no time. 

5. Increase Fibre Intake

Fibre helps with good digestion and bowel movement. It also helps you stay fuller for longer, leading to fewer snacks and cravings. Foods like oats, beans, lentils, and whole grains are good sources of fibre. 

6. Eat More Protein

Protein is one of the most effective nutrients for fat loss because it can help keep you satisfied for longer. It also aids you in maintaining muscle while you lose weight and supports a healthy metabolism. Add a few sources of protein, such as chicken, eggs, and fish. 

7. Mind Your Snacks

Snacks are one thing to watch out for because of the unnecessary calories they come with. Small bites of sweets, chips, and leftovers can quickly add up without you noticing. Choosing planned snacks like fruits, yoghurt, and nuts can be a good option for controlling hunger between meals. 

8. Watch Your Portions

How much you eat matters when it comes to recovering from that holiday weight gain. Slowly reduce your portions. Start with protein and vegetables first, then add carbs and extras. Eating slowly also helps you notice fullness before overeating. 

9. Avoid Processed Foods

Processed foods are often high in calories, salt, and added sugars, which means weight gain and bloating. They’re also easy to overeat because they’re designed to taste good. To reduce your holiday weight, we recommend avoiding this type of food and focusing on healthier ones. 

10. Track Your Progress

 A core of how to lose holiday weight fast is by tracking your progress. You can use a scale to see how much weight you lose over time, so you can tell if you’re doing well or need more work. You can also assess your own energy levels daily and consistency with habits. 

If you’ve enlisted in our private gyms in Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, or Knutsford, our personal trainers can help you track your progress and provide recommendations on the next steps to take. 

Final Thoughts

Holiday weight gain is temporary, but only if you make it so. Continuing to eat the same way as you did during the holidays can lead to real weight gain, which is extremely difficult to recover from. Start by going back to normal routines, activities, and meals.