It’s common knowledge that holidays and vacations are associated with overindulgence, resulting in weight gain.

And even if we don’t entirely surrender to binge eating and drinking, we still tend to relax our diet and exercise routine during vacations and holidays. After all, it’s a time to relax and unwind! However, as much as you hope to maintain your holiday weight long after vacation ends, it’s inevitable that you’ll eventually come back to your pre-holiday weight. Here’s why:.

Why do we gain weight on vacation?

There are a few reasons why we tend to gain weight on vacation. Firstly, we tend to overindulge in foods that we wouldn’t usually eat in our day-to-day lives.

From buttery croissants to elegant cocktails, we tend to have an attitude of “I’m on vacation, why not?” And while it’s okay to splurge a bit on your holiday, these extra calories will inevitably add up.

Secondly, a vacation usually means a break from our daily workout routines. Even if you manage to fit in a workout or two on vacation, the chances are that you may not be exercising with the same intensity that you usually do.

It’s harder to keep up with healthy habits when all you want to do is lay on a sunlounger and read a book.

Finally, vacations can be very stressful! The planning, booking, packing, and navigating unfamiliar territory can take a toll on our mental health. Without even realizing it, you may be eating more and exercising less due to stress.

Why is it so hard to lose weight?

It’s not just about the calories you consume; it’s also essential to consider the calories you burn. During vacation, our metabolism slows down due to the reduced activity levels.

Furthermore, returning back to our pre-holiday routine often results in a slower metabolism, as we typically have less movement during our day-to-day lives than we do on vacation. Therefore, it’s not just about “eating less”-you also need to burn more calories than you consume by engaging in regular physical activity.

Another factor that can make it challenging to lose weight after the holiday is hormones. When we dramatically reduce calories or “diet,” our bodies may produce hormones that signal us to eat more to maintain our weight.

Additionally, our bodies may slow down when we consume fewer calories than our body weight requires, making weight loss more difficult.

Not all weight is bad!

Although it’s natural to gain a little bit of weight on vacation, not all weight gain is bad. Remember that weight is not always a great indicator of health – our body composition matters too.

If you’re building muscle through some form of exercise, weight gain can indicate that you’ve gained muscle mass, which is a good thing.

What you want to avoid is gaining excessive body fat. Gaining too much body fat can lead to health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, heart diseases, among others.

How to Return to Your Pre-Holiday Weight?

If you’re looking to go back to your pre-vacation or holiday weight, it is possible- but it requires patience and effort. Here are some tips that may help:.

1. Don’t crash diet!

We’re all tempted to go on a strict diet to lose those extra pounds gained during the holiday. However, this method is counterproductive, and it may even lead to long-term weight gain.

This is because crash diets often lead to cravings and overeating, which can keep you trapped in a cycle of dieting and bingeing.

2. Reduce sugar and processed foods

Processed foods and sugary treats tend to be calorie-dense whilst low in nutrients. Reducing the intake of processed foods can help in managing calorie intake and assist you in getting back on track towards your pre-holiday weight.

3. Incorporate healthy foods into your diet

After indulging in all sorts of treats on vacation, make a point to add more fresh fruits, veggies and lean proteins into your meals.

These foods will help fill you up, nourish your body with essential nutrients and reduce your cravings, making it easier to manage your caloric intake.

4. Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water is essential for overall health and can help you lose weight as well. Water can help you feel fuller, reduce the number of calories you consume at each meal, and help flush the toxins out of your body.

5. Get moving again

Exercise is crucial for weight loss and overall health. If you’ve taken an extended break from working out, start slowly- go for a walk or take a yoga class.

Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts to prevent injury and help keep you on track to your weight loss goals.

Conclusion

Gaining weight on holiday is perfectly natural; it’s all about moderation. Unfortunately, most of us tend to overindulge during vacation, resulting in weight gain.

However, the key to returning to our pre-holiday weight is to be patient, consistent, and focused on making healthy choices that work for our lifestyle.

Remember that it’s not about the number on the scale alone- it’s about how you feel, look and live your life daily. Stay consistent with healthy habits, and your body will return to its natural and healthy weight.