This Trick Will Help You Stick To Your Weight Loss Goals Over the Holidays — And Still Eat What You Want

When you’re trying to lose weight, the holiday season is a challenge. Between holiday parties, endless food, and colder weather that makes you want to stay indoors instead of getting out and exercising, it can be hard to keep up your momentum. Luckily, there’s an easy way to stay on track: The 50 Percent Rule.

Created by certified personal trainer Stephanie Mansour, it’s incredible how easy this trick is: Put only 50 percent of your usual effort into meet your goal. After that, don’t stress about trying to follow your normal routine. “For years I’ve been using this method myself, and because it worked so well in helping me maintain my own health over the holidays, I decided to start introducing it to my private clients,” Mansour wrote for TODAY. “I have been blown away by the difference it’s made.”

For example, if you typically exercise for 30 minutes every day, consider just getting in a quick 15-minute walk around the block daily while you’re with your family. While that might not sound like a lot, 15 minutes is still better than nothing, and walking for at least 15 minutes a day over the course of one to two weeks over your holiday break adds up! Or, the next time you’re at a holiday party and want a brownie, slice it in half. You don’t want to deprive yourself of the treats you love around this time of year, but you also won’t get yourself completely off-track in the process.

The next time you’re out to dinner with your friends or cozying up around the fire with your family, follow the 50 Percent Rule to embrace your indulgences and enjoy your holiday season! You’ll be able to start back up again with your normal routine in the new year, and meanwhile, you won’t feel like you missed out on all of the goodies of the holiday season.