Maintain, Don't Gain! Holiday Challenge 2018

Many Americans gain between 1 and 5 pounds each holiday season. While it might not sound like much, most people never manage to lose those extra pounds.

Last year, over 3,400 Floridians received helpful advice on enjoying the holidays in a more healthy way. Some of the tips included choosing fresh fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for candy, limiting fats, salt and sugary foods and finding fun ways to stay active, such as dancing to their favorite holiday music. Being active for at least 2½ hours a week and helping kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day also adds healthy balance to the season.

The Florida Department of Health is teaming up with North Carolina State University to offer the Maintain, Don’t Gain! Holiday Challenge for a second year. Rather than focusing on trying to lose weight, the FREE seven-week challenge provides participants with tips, tricks, and ideas to help maintain their weight throughout the holiday season.

The Holiday Challenge includes:

• Seven weekly newsletters delivered to your inbox with tips to
  • Host a healthier Thanksgiving
  • Manage holiday stress
  • Fit physical activity into your busy day
  • Survive a holiday party
• Daily Tips
• Mid-week Challenges
• Healthy holiday recipes
• Motivation and support from other participants

Sign up for the 2018 challenge on the Eat Smart, Move More, Weight Less website.