Did you know that during the COVID-19 pandemic, 42% of Americans reported gaining weight, with the average increase being a staggering 29 pounds? Meanwhile, I can’t help but wonder — how many CrossFit athletes gained muscle instead? Now, that’s a headline I’d love to see.
Fast forward to today, Thanksgiving, and we find ourselves entering a season often marked by overindulgence. On average, Americans gain between 0.8 and 2 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. While that might sound negligible, here’s the catch: most people don’t lose that weight. Year after year, those “holiday gains” can add up. Ten years later, you could be carrying an extra 20 pounds of fat.
Now, imagine adding those 20 pounds to your frame right now — not in lean muscle, but in fat mass. That’s 20 pounds of holiday cocktails, sugary desserts, and endless snacks. Beyond how it looks or feels, consider the risks: heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, certain cancers, digestive issues, and even mental health struggles. It’s not just weight — it’s a potential burden on your future self.
What’s Worth It?
Before diving into every festive treat, ask yourself:
- Will this meal bring me closer to my goals in the gym?
- Will it help me crush that first pull-up or hit a new PR?
- Will indulging in one more dessert make my loved ones cherish me more?
The truth? Probably not. But staying aligned with your goals — that will pay off.
A Season of Gratitude and Action
Today is about more than gratitude for what you have — your health, your progress, and your supportive CrossFit community — it’s also a time to thank your future self.
What if, instead of looking at the holidays as a time to “pause” your progress, you viewed it as an opportunity to maintain — or even build — momentum? Instead of January being a scramble to undo the damage, imagine waking up on Jan. 2 feeling stronger, fitter, and more disciplined than you are today.
Your Holiday Game Plan
- Set Intentions: Enjoy your holiday meals, but go in with a plan. Decide what’s truly worth it and stick to it.
- Focus on the Wins: Prioritize protein, stay hydrated, and avoid going overboard with indulgences that derail your goals.
- Move Every Day: Whether it’s hitting the gym, going for a run, or even walking with family, keep movement a priority.
- Be Kind to Yourself: One meal won’t ruin your progress, but make it the exception, not the rule.
The holidays don’t have to derail your fitness or health goals. Stay consistent, stay intentional, and when the season is over, you’ll be proud of the choices you made.
This holiday season, celebrate you: the one who’s showing up, making smart choices, and building a healthier, happier version of yourself. Every small step you take today is a gift for the person you’ll be tomorrow. And trust me — they’ll thank you.
If you ever get bored of your usual meals, check out this treasure trove of recipes to help keep you on track.
Staying Strong Through the Holidays: A Message for Your Future Self