Sleigh Your Goals: Anne-Marie’s Christmas Survival Guide – The New You Plan

Sleigh Your Goals: Anne-Marie’s Christmas Survival Guide

With the festive season in full swing, many of us find ourselves grappling with the challenge of maintaining our health and weight loss goals amidst the abundance of temptations. Enter Anne-Marie, a New You Plan Ambassador who has successfully lost and kept off an impressive 4st 10lbs. In this insightful Christmas Survival Guide, Anne-Marie shares her personal strategies for not just surviving but thriving during the holidays. Drawing from her own experiences, she offers practical advice on everything from navigating advent calendars to managing family drama and workplace temptations.

Whether you’re on Total Food Replacement or simply looking to maintain your healthy habits, Anne-Marie’s guide is packed with valuable tips to help you stay on track while still enjoying the true spirit of the season.

Well here we are again, time to stuff ourselves plumper than Tiny Tim’s first Christmas turkey.

The time of year when all thoughts of sticking to plan are tossed to one side and the elasticated waistband becomes a God send!!

We stay so determined from 1st November to skid to a halt on the 1st December, telling ourselves it’s Christmas MONTH and it just wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t partake in every single offering bestowed upon us…

That one day becomes two and soon we are well on our way to the 31st December! It looks like it will be the same resolution for the new year… “To lose weight and be healthy”…. but we might as well start all that tomorrow right?!!

But wait, what if we give ourselves the chance to make a resolution that means more? What if we take back control of December leaving us free to make resolutions that hold meaning? Let’s give it a go! The only thing to lose is the pounds we hold at bay… the true spirit of Christmas lies with the FEELING it brings, the people we spend time with and the memories we make, it doesn’t have to revolve around food.

You may well decide that you are going to spend Christmas day as a Switch day, that’s entirely your choice… it’s your Christmas and it needs to be one that leaves you feeling good. But if you have made the decision to stay on plan throughout the festivities here are some of my strategies that I’ve put in place whilst on TFR, and also use alongside my maintenance plan at this time of year.

Surviving the Countdown to Christmas

Now we all love having something to look forward to each morning as we countdown to Christmas, but did you know each little window in that Advent Calendar can hold up to 100 calories? That’s an extra 2500 calories that no doubt would fall into the “untracked” bracket!!

Why not make your own advent calendar using little envelopes or boxes? Pop little messages to yourself in each one or small rewards eg a nail polish, a fun keyring, funny affirmations… all the things that make you smile but keep you on plan! Or, there are so many amazing non-chocolate options on the high street now too.

Surviving Christmas Shopping

Now this one can be tough especially with all the sights and smells ambushing your senses. Where possible, I shop online but I do love choosing gifts whilst the Christmas music is playing! I always have a meal pack and water before I go, I pop a sweet snack in my bag for that coffee shop moment and I STICK TO MY LIST!! I don’t try to do it all in one day as time can run away and as you become weary so does your willpower!! Break it down into small trips, focus on why you are shopping and think of the sneaky step count!!

Surviving the Drama

All families argue, fact! I have yet to meet a Hallmark worthy one that sails through life without a cross word, so stop trying to live up to the hype!! I bundle up cosy and go for a walk when it all gets too much, pop on some music or a podcast and just take myself away from the situation. Counting to 10 just doesn’t quite cut it so I make sure I plan in moments each day just for me. It may be a bubble bath with a Christmas candle, watching a Christmas movie or even just that early morning coffee whilst I journal my worries onto the page, turn it over and breathe in the fresh new one. Making time for those things that bring you a little calm during the season of stress is so much more effective than turning to food. It’s not easy I know but with practice it becomes habit.

Surviving the Parties

Now did you really work so hard up to this point to then just go off the rails for a party?! If you don’t feel strong enough to stick to your plan at a party… don’t go. Don’t let anyone tell you what you need to do when it comes to celebrating Christmas. It’s what YOU think that counts!!! I said no to parties when I first began, but now I find that I don’t need to drink to have a good time because I’m not trying to be someone I’m not anymore, so I go (if I really want to!). I enjoy dressing up, spending time with friends and dancing like no one’s watching! You can add Water Flavourings to sparkling water or even a Pineapple Boost for that extra zing on the dance floor!! As for party food… I tell myself if I’ve had it before I already know what it tastes like so I’m not missing out if I say no thank you. If I am on plan then it is my decision to make, no one else’s! I’ve taken Wafers, Bars and even Vegetable Chilli and Tortilla Chips (think nachos 😉) to parties and no one’s batted an eyelid! I keep an empty plate next to me and for those that ask time and time again if I’m going to the buffet I point to my plate and say I’m good thanks. Most of the time I just say I’m not hungry as I’m actually not as I will have had a pack beforehand… prep is key!!!

Surviving the Big Shop

As with gift shopping, NEVER go food shopping when you are hungry and ALWAYS take a snack!! Write a list of what you actually need and again, stick with it. I’ve saved so much money the past few Christmasses by not going in and traipsing every aisle of temptation, not buying things because they’re on offer when I don’t even need them.

Surviving Work

Working in a school in December is absolutely full of temptation!! Staff room overflowing, kitchen sides covered, but I know it’s a slippery slope if I start saying oh one won’t hurt.. because..well… who ever stops at one?! I walk away, take a deep breath, have a coffee/water and remind myself WHY I’m doing this. I’m not even hungry, I don’t NEED them and I’m stronger than that little devil with his Santa hat on!!!

Surviving Christmas Day

Now this one can be tricky, but like I said before being on plan was YOUR decision so why would you sabotage your own choice?! Save your favourite packs for the big day. Look at recipes in the community groups for something new to try with them – make it look appealing to your eyes as well as your tastebuds… pretty looking meals can make all the difference! This is your day too, so plan in those things you enjoy. Make those moments into memories and remember it’s just one day, yet it’s one more day towards where you want to be.

If you do switch things up, skip the starter, choose protein and veg and if you have pudding use a small bowl, chew slowly and keep drinking that water!!!

Surviving Yourself

The main obstacle that will stand in your way this Christmas I’m afraid is YOU. Old habits, feeling like you’re missing out… they will all whizz around in your head. But you CAN control how you react. It’s not always easy, believe me, but I’ve learnt to embrace the actual spirit of Christmas again. Focus on the things that make it special such as the lights on the tree, the music playing, the chilly air when you’re out walking and most of all the feeling of the world perhaps being a good place.

Make your Christmas one you look back on and feel proud of how you navigated it. It’s not about perfection… it’s about the progress you make within yourself. 

Shop Our 12 Bundles Of Christmas Now!

This December, we’re making it easier than ever to stay on track, feel amazing, and get a head start on 2025 with our 12 Bundles of Christmas! It’s our Christmas gift to you!

All 12 bundles are available right now on a special page on our website, and they’re packed with unbeatable value. Whether you’re stocking up on your favourites or trying something new, these bundles are designed to help you:

🎁 Manage December with ease and flexibility.

🎁 Follow the Switch Plan to stay in control.

🎁 Get practically and mentally ready to thrive in 2025.

Amazing Value, Perfectly Packaged

Here’s a taste of what’s waiting for you:

• 50 Shakes for £55 – Your go-to for quick, easy Boost Days.

• 20 High Protein Crisps for £25 – Fuel your Nourish Days with these delicious favourites.

• 20 Bars for £35 – Arm yourself for those Christmas shopping trips and coffee dates.

And 9 more incredible bundles to choose from!

With something for everyone, these bundles offer maximum value and variety to help you stay on track throughout December.

Why December Is the Perfect Time to Start

Don’t let December derail your goals! Whether you’re jumping in fully or following The Switch Plan, starting now means:

• Damage control: Minimise festive indulgence while still enjoying the season.
• A head start on 2025: Build momentum now and enter the new year feeling confident and in control.
• Avoid January delays: Stock up today and skip the post-Christmas rush.

Remember, 2024 was the year of more, and 2025 is YOUR year to thrive. The best way to prepare is to start taking small, powerful steps now.

Shop All 12 Bundles Now

All 12 bundles are available to shop right now on our website. These offers are available until Christmas, pick your favourites and stock up now! Top Tip: These bundles make it easy to stick to your goals or give the gift of transformation to someone special this Christmas!

Your Transformation Starts Here

Every day, more customers are joining us and starting their journey – not waiting for January, but taking control now. Whether you’re ready to dive into Total Plan or ease in with The Switch Plan, there’s no better time to start.

Click below to explore the 12 Bundles of Christmas and get ready to make 2025 your year to thrive!