A leading fitness professional has issued a timely reminder for anyone anxious about maintaining their weight or fitness goals during the festive season, urging them to avoid one critical mistake.
The Festive Diet Pressure
With Christmas fast approaching on December 25th, many individuals committed to a specific diet or calorie deficit face heightened anxiety. The constant presence of festive treats and social gatherings can make sticking to nutritional targets feel like an impossible task.
To alleviate this seasonal stress, personal trainer and sports nutritionist Jess Hugo has shared a pivotal piece of advice she gives her clients. In a recent TikTok video posted in the lead-up to the holidays, she provided clear guidance on navigating the celebratory week.
Jess Hugo's Simple Christmas Rule
"If you're currently in a calorie deficit and you're freaking out because it's literally 20 days to Christmas, which is absolutely insane, here is what I would be doing," Jess began in her clip.
Her central instruction was straightforward: "Do not open My Fitness Pal and do not track any of those calories." She elaborated that even seasoned trackers who might estimate their intake should refrain from logging food during the core festive events.
Jess advocates for treating the days around Christmas as a planned 'diet break'. This approach allows individuals to relax, reset, and enjoy their "freedom" without the mental burden of counting, before resuming their calorie deficit in the New Year.
Why A Short Break Won't Ruin Progress
Emphasising a balanced perspective, Jess reminded viewers that "eating out of your calorie deficit for a few days won't damage your overall fitness journey or progress."
She framed Christmas, much like a birthday, as a rare annual opportunity to socialise and celebrate without fixation on the calorie content of every item on the table. "We shouldn't be living in a calorie deficit," she added, challenging the all-or-nothing mindset.
The advice resonated strongly online. In the video's comments, many thanked Jess for the "simple reminder" that helped ease their worries. One viewer shared, "Thank you so much, I've been really in my head about it and this helps!"
Some did seek clarification, with one person asking, "What if you end up eating in a big surplus over Christmas?" Jess replied pragmatically: "It's fine. Just jump back into the deficit." She noted any impact would be "context dependent," reinforcing the message of long-term consistency over short-term perfection.
Another comment reflected a healthy long-term view: "Trying to tell myself it's not what I eat between Christmas and New Year but between New Year and Christmas."
Ultimately, the expert guidance from Jess Hugo offers a permission slip to enjoy the festive period mindfully, suggesting that a brief respite from strict tracking is not a setback but a sustainable part of a balanced health journey.
