Putting on the pounds is effortlessly easy to do during the cooler months, especially when there is an abundance of delectable desserts, holiday parties, and family get-togethers. For example, the average American will most likely eat over 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving! That is two days worth of calories if you think about it.

Weight management doesn’t cross the minds of many until the year is over. This is usually when we commonly vow to eat healthier and exercise regularly once a new year begins. These are all well-intentioned resolutions, yet sadly, statistics indicate that the majority of these resolutions are destined for failure even before they begin. I know that this can’t be further from the truth since I have been guilty of making resolutions that weren’t set in stone in the past. This is one of the reasons why I stopped making these type of resolutions. Instead, I started setting small, attainable goals on being healthier throughout the year, especially during this time of year! In an effort to help deter holiday weight gain, I’m sharing my tried and true methods that have been working for me this holiday season.

My job as a work-at-home mom is mostly sedentary. Going for long walks is one of my all-time favorite activities that I love to do with family. I deem it nature’s therapy because we’re always at the most serene and peaceful state of mind when walking. It has been proven that walking can reduce stress and foster creativity. Taking long walks is one of the most pleasant ways to connect with nature, bond with family, and enjoy the world around you. As the adage goes, “Sometimes the best things in life are free.”

Wearable fitness trackers are everywhere these days, but I prefer tracking my steps with the smartphone app My Fitness Pal. It helps motivate people to live a less sedentary lifestyle and set goals for themselves. With the app, I monitor my calories for each day as well as my sodium, carbohydrate, fat, protein, and sugar intake. For example, a diet high in sodium may hinder weight loss goals since sodium can cause water retention.

It has been 7 weeks since starting my weight loss journey with Medifast Go. I’m now able to wear pants in a size 10 comfortably, whereas I was wearing a size 12 in pants when I first started the program on September 21st.

What is Medifast Go and how does it exactly work? It is a clinically-proven diet program that guarantees fast weight loss and it is easy to follow. I’m able to eat six times a day, which includes five Medifast meals and one Lean and Green meal. Spacing out the meals 2-3 hours apart helps me deter mindless snacking. Recipe ideas for Lean and Green meals can be found on their site. You can even find meal inspiration from fellow Medifasters via social media such as Instagram. Busy? Their Flavors of Home® meals may be a better option for you. Each Flavors of Home® meal has the right portions of vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fat.

Receive Medifast with 7 Days of free meals included in the first month’s order with a renewal plan. $15 off orders of $150+ with coupon code SAVINGS15 at checkout! Some exclusions apply. Both offers expire on April 30th, 2018.

*Average weight loss for Medifast Direct® customers using Medifast Go™ is 11 pounds. Medifast Direct customers are in weight loss, on average, for 8 weeks.