How to lose holiday weight: Expert tips for effective results

The holidays bring a time for treating ourselves—think rich meals, sweet desserts, and festive drinks. But as the celebrations come to an end, many people find themselves facing the challenge of losing those extra pounds. The good news? Using smart strategies can make getting back on track effortless.

HOLA! USA reached out to top nutrition and fitness experts to find out the best ways to lose those holiday pounds. Here’s what they had to say.

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Tip: Avoid quick fix diets

Gisela Bouvier, a Latina media dietitian and TV host, warns against diets that promise rapid results. “Diets that promise rapid weight loss may provide quick results but are not sustainable and often come at a steep cost to your health,” she explains. Quick-fix diets primarily lead to water and muscle loss, not fat, and can slow metabolism while increasing the risk of nutrient deficiencies. Instead, she encourages building sustainable habits like incorporating more vegetables, cooking at home, staying hydrated, and enjoying movement. “Health should be viewed as a journey, not a sprint,” she emphasizes.

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Dr. Megan Lyons, a Double Board Certified Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, agrees, cautioning that extreme calorie restriction often results in nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, and hormonal imbalances. “Yo-yo dieting impacts metabolism and mental health, creating an unhealthy relationship with food and weight,” she adds. Dr. Lyons recommends starting small—adding two servings of vegetables at lunch or taking a 10-minute walk daily—and focusing on “non-scale victories” such as improved energy or better sleep. 

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Tip: Focus on sustainable habits

Wade Lightheart, a Certified Sports Nutritionist Advisor, emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of weight gain instead of relying on quick fixes. “A personalized approach considering your genetics, gut microbiome, and lifestyle is key to maintaining weight loss over time,” he shares. In addition to balanced macronutrient intake, Lightheart suggests prioritizing micronutrients, mindfulness practices, and regular exercise to achieve sustainable weight loss and overall health. 

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Similarly, Trista Best, Registered Dietitian at The Candida Diet, highlights the danger of diet culture. “Extreme dieting and restriction place the body in a state of stress and survival, which is not sustainable,” she says. Best recommends celebrating non-scale victories like improved mental clarity, better sleep, and more energy, which signify progress before the scale moves.  

Tip: Build a balanced, enjoyable Routine

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Catherine Gervacio, RND, a registered dietitian consultant for Superfood Green Fusion, advises against crash diets that lead to metabolic slowdowns and muscle loss. “When you drastically cut calories, your body goes into ‘survival mode,’ making it harder to maintain weight loss,” she explains. Instead, Gervacio recommends eating balanced meals with lean protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables. Staying hydrated and finding enjoyable activities like dancing or yoga can further boost mood, energy, and metabolism. 

Expert tips for long-term success

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Prioritize Protein and Fiber: These help keep you full and support muscle maintenance.  

Hydrate: Drinking water prevents mistaking thirst for hunger and keeps metabolism running smoothly.  

Make Movement Fun: Walking, yoga, or dancing can be exercise.  

Focus on Progress: Celebrate small victories like improved mood or better sleep.  

Start Small: Build habits gradually, such as adding vegetables to meals or increasing daily steps.  

Losing weight after the holidays doesn’t have to be about drastic changes. You can build a healthy lifestyle that lasts by focusing on steady habits instead of quick results. So, rather than looking for fast fixes, try to make little, thoughtful changes and appreciate each bit of progress you make