Simple Weight Management Tips for the New Year
Christmas and New Year are meant to be enjoyed — and I certainly did.
There was plenty of beautiful food, lots of sugar, family baking, my fairy bread pavlova, my niece’s limoncello trifle, and many generous gifts of chocolates, fudge, biscuits, and slices. It was a lovely time, and I don’t regret enjoying it.
Now that the holiday period has almost finished and people are starting to return to work, I’m ready to get back to my usual approach to weight management — calmly, sensibly, and without guilt. To help with this, I’ve gone back to using my simple weight loss tracker spreadsheet, which keeps things practical and easy to follow.
👉 Download: Free Weight Loss Tracker
More than anything, my focus has shifted back to balance, which is exactly what the rest of this blog post is about.
A week or two of indulgence is not the end of the world. The important thing is simply getting back into some semblance of a routine.
My Focus: Returning to Balance (Not Dieting)
This isn’t about going on a strict diet. It’s about returning to balance — everyday habits that work long term.
Here’s the simple strategy I’m going to try using.
1. Out of Sight, Out of Mind
The first thing I’ve done is pack away or remove leftover holiday snacks.
If they’re not sitting on the bench or in easy reach by the tv, they’re far less tempting — especially late at night.
2. Daily Movement: 7,000 to 10,000 Steps
I’m aiming for 7,000 to 10,000 steps a day.
Wearing my Fitbit and tracking my steps has been a big help. Some days are easier than others, but it all counts. Walking really is one of the best habits I want to get back into after the holidays.
3. Gentle Intermittent Fasting (About 15 Hours)
I’m also aiming for a simple form of intermittent fasting. This is a goal, not a rule, and I’m not pretending I’ll stick to it every single day. One of my favourite summer treats is breakfast or brunch at a lovely café, and I’m not giving that up.
For most days, my aim looks like this:
– Finish eating by 8:00 pm
– Eat again around 11:00 am or 12:00 pm the next day
That gives roughly a 15-hour break from eating, which many people find manageable. I’m keeping it flexible. If it doesn’t suit one day, that’s fine — I just start again the next day.
4. Simple Meals With Protein
Lunch for me is often eggs, as they’re easy to have with salad and they’re filling.
I’m also aiming to:
- Always eat a salad for lunch
- Include protein with every meal, even small ones
Protein helps keep hunger under control and reduces mindless snacking later in the day.
5. Water, Water, Water
I’m making a real effort to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Sometimes I add a squeeze of lemon juice just for a bit of interest.
Often we think we’re hungry when we’re really just thirsty.
A One-Week Plan for Late-Night Snacks
Late-night snacking has always been my challenge, so instead of stopping suddenly, I’m easing back gradually.
Here’s a one-week snack plan, with the aim of cutting down and eventually needing no snack at all.
| Day | Late-Night Snack |
|---|---|
| Monday | Air-popped popcorn (small bowl) |
| Tuesday | Apple slices or berries |
| Wednesday | Crudités (carrot, celery, cucumber) with a spoon of hummus |
| Thursday | Greek yoghurt (small serve, plain or lightly sweetened) |
| Friday | A piece of fruit or a handful of grapes |
| Saturday | A small handful of nuts |
| Sunday | Green tea or herbal tea only |
The idea is that by the end of the week, I’m comfortable with no late-night snacks, just a cup of tea or water after dinner.
Ice cream and lots of sweet treats are being phased out — not banned, just reduced.
Alcohol: Keeping It Sensible
The holiday season often comes with more alcohol than usual. I’m aiming to:
- Keep alcohol to one night a week
- Limit it to a couple of drinks
Again, this is about balance, not deprivation.
A Gentle Reminder
Getting back on track doesn’t need to be dramatic.
Enjoying food over Christmas doesn’t undo all your good habits. You just start again — one walk, one meal, one day at a time.
If you’re also easing back into routine, be kind to yourself. Consistency matters far more than perfection.
Thanks for reading ♡ Janet
Feature image: generated by Freepik and AI.
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