· Max Lowery · Podcast Episode · 3 min read
#47 The secret to enjoying Christmas and losing weight - don’t let December derail your progress
This episode, Max & Molly reveal how to survive Christmas without sacrificing health or joy. Discover: #1 holiday mindset mistake, guilt-free festive meals, traffic light party system, simple mindset shift for January motivation, mindful eating secrets & small step-count challenge.
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The Christmas Survival Guide: How to Enjoy the Holidays and Stay in Control
What if you could enjoy all your favourite festive foods — without guilt, stress, or starting another crash diet in January?
In this episode of the Never Diet Again Podcast, weight loss coach Max Lowery and coach Molly share their Christmas Survival Guide, the exact same strategies they give to their private coaching clients to help them feel confident, calm, and in control throughout December.
You’ll learn how to avoid the biggest December mistake that leads to weight gain, and it’s not mince pies, mulled wine, or roast potatoes.
What You’ll Learn
The Biggest Christmas Mistake: The “F**k It Bucket” Mindset
Most people don’t gain weight because of Christmas Day — they gain it because of this mindset:
“It’s December, so f**k it — I’ll start again in January.”
That single decision can lead to weeks of overeating, guilt, and stress. Max explains why this “all or nothing” thinking is the real problem — and how to stop it for good.
Reframe it:
There are 93 meals in December. Even if 10 of them are indulgent, that’s only 10–15%. The rest of your meals are opportunities to stay consistent and balanced.
Plan Ahead & Set Your Intentions
Before the chaos begins, ask yourself:
“How do I want to feel on January 1st?”
Bloated, guilty, and exhausted? Or calm, motivated, and proud?
Writing down your answer before the holidays helps you make better choices during them.
Pro tip: Reflect on how you felt last January. Use that memory to fuel better decisions this year.
The Traffic Light System 
Categorise each social event this December into Green, Amber, or Red:
Green Events: Big celebrations with amazing food and people you love. Minimal restraint — enjoy yourself mindfully.
Amber Events: Casual dinners or drinks. Moderate restraint, ask, “Do I really want this?”
Red Events: Obligatory or boring gatherings with average food (think work parties). Maximum restraint, eat before, drive yourself, or skip dessert.
This simple system removes guilt and helps you stay balanced without restriction.
Practice Restraint, Not Restriction
Restriction says: “I’m not allowed to have dessert.”
Restraint says: “I can have it, but do I really want it?”
Learning to make choices like an adult, rather than rebelling against self-imposed rules — is the key to lasting success.
Master Mindful Eating 
Slow down, use your senses, and actually taste your food.
Look at your food what colours and textures do you see?Smell it — savour those Christmas aromas.Eat slower stop at 80% full (the Japanese call this Hara Hachi Bu).
This single habit can reduce overeating by 10–20% — without any restriction.
Move More, Together 
Instead of sitting all day, make walking part of your family traditions.
Aim to increase your step count by 10–20% this month.
Take a Boxing Day walk.
Compete with your family or colleagues.
Walking is free, boosts your mood, and burns calories without feeling like exercise.
Final Takeaways
Don’t throw December in the “f**k it bucket.”
Plan ahead and visualise how you want to feel in January.
Use the traffic light system to decide when to indulge.
Eat mindfully and stop before you’re stuffed.
Move more — it’ll help physically and mentally.
And most importantly: take the pressure off yourself.
If you gain a little weight in December — so what? Your results come from what you do the other 11 months of the year.
Want to see more behind the scenes, client success stories, and daily tips for sustainable fat loss? Come connect with me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/max.lowery. It’s where I share practical advice, motivation, and the exact strategies my clients use to lose weight and keep it off, without ever dieting again.