It’s the day after Thanksgiving—aka the most food-coma-filled Friday of the year. Whether you’re feeling stuffed, sluggish, or debating if pie for breakfast counts as a balanced meal (it doesn’t, but we won’t judge), you might be tempted to think, I’ll just enjoy the holidays and start fresh in January.
But here’s the deal: tossing out your health and fitness goals now and promising a magical New Year’s restart is like leaving your holiday lights on all year—sure, it sounds easier in the moment, but it’s not a great long-term plan.
Let’s talk about why sticking with your goals right now—yes, even after a feast the size of your dining room table—is not only doable but also the best gift you can give yourself this holiday season.
1. Consistency Over Perfection
The Reality: If you eat three meals a day, there are about 90 meals left this year. Even if you count yesterday’s feast as one big, untracked day (and hey, maybe the leftovers today, too), that still leaves around 85 meals for you to crush.
Tip:
- Start Fresh, Not Over
Yesterday happened. It was delicious. Now move on. The next meal is always a chance to refocus, so don’t let one indulgent day turn into a “meh, I’ll wait until January” spiral. - Hydrate Like It’s Your Job
Feeling sluggish from all the stuffing? Water is your best friend today. Bonus: it might just help you fit in that extra serving of leftover turkey later.
2. Momentum Is Your Friend
The Reality: Yesterday was one day—don’t let it derail all the momentum you’ve built so far. Imagine how much better it’ll feel to slide into January with progress under your belt instead of wishing you’d started sooner.
Tip:
- Shake Off the Turkey Hangover
No need to hit the gym for hours—start small. A walk around the block, some yoga, or even a quick dance session to your favorite holiday playlist will get the blood flowing again. (Bonus points if you still have Thanksgiving socks on.) - Embrace the Leftovers
Use leftovers strategically—lean into the turkey, roasted veggies, or salad from yesterday’s spread. It’s like meal prep, but tastier.
3. Health Is a Long-Term Commitment
The Reality: Your health doesn’t take a holiday break. The choices you make now—big and small—add up over time. Treating Thanksgiving as a single day rather than a season helps keep your goals on track.
Tip:
- Plan for Holiday Indulgence
Have a big event coming up? Decide ahead of time which treats you’re most excited about (hello, peppermint bark!) and balance it with lighter choices at other meals. - Play the Long Game
Think beyond the holidays. This isn’t about surviving one season; it’s about building habits that let you enjoy every season without stress.
4. Mental Promises Matter
The Reality: You made a promise to yourself to prioritize your health. Keeping that promise—especially when it’s tough—builds self-trust and confidence. Let’s face it: you’ve already handled Thanksgiving chaos. Keeping a couple of goals intact is nothing compared to wrangling a turkey.
Tip:
- Win the Day (After)
Pick one small goal to tackle today: drink your water, go for a walk, or make a balanced plate with those leftovers. That tiny win can set the tone for the rest of your weekend. - Laugh It Off
Yesterday’s over. Maybe you ate too much stuffing, or maybe you had three kinds of pie. Who hasn’t? Laugh, let it go, and get back to your goals. Progress doesn’t require perfection—it just requires persistence.
Final Thoughts (and a Pep Talk)
The day after Thanksgiving is the perfect time to remind yourself: one day (or even one weekend) doesn’t define your progress. Consistency is what counts, and you’ve got this.
So grab a glass of water, make a leftover turkey salad, and get moving—because waiting until January isn’t your style. You’ve got too much momentum to let it all go now.
Stay strong, stay balanced, and remember: the holidays are about joy, not self-sabotage. And yes, you can have joy and health—preferably with a side of cranberry sauce. 😉
