3 Holiday Weight Loss Mistakes This Coach Stopped Making

Are you on a fat loss journey but are worried your progress will get derailed over the holidays? Don’t be, says one expert. Riva Siggins is an online coach who "loves food and movement." She regularly shares tips on the best ways to burn fat and build muscle with her hundreds of thousands of followers. In a new post, she discussed how she manages to stay on track over the holidays while still enjoying herself. "In 2.5 years, I’ve transformed my physique, but in this time, I’ve had time off the gym, not tracked at Christmas, been on holidays, and skilled workouts. Here are three reminders as we head into Christmas," she captioned the Instagram post.

1. You Don’t Have to Track Calories Over the Holidays

You don’t have to track calories all the time. “It's okay to take time away from tracking. Yes, tracking calories can be helpful across the year to help you get to your goals quicker, but it is something I’ll never do around Christmas again. When I was struggling with bingeing 4 years ago, I thought tracking would help, but all it did was increase my food focus and make me spiral even more,” she writes.

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She Takes a Break

Riva reveals that she takes a break over the holidays. “For the last few years, I’ve never tracked around Christmas, but I’ve still made great progress. Remember that food is more than numbers, and tracking around Christmas is likely to make you feel less present,” she says.

2. Take a Break From the Gym

Next, you don’t have to maintain your exercise routine. “You won’t undo all your progress this year from some time off the gym. I won’t be in the gym 5 days in between Christmas and New Year. Why? Because I’m going away with my boyfriend and dog to Norfolk, and I want to enjoy every second with them, seeing Vinny running along the fields, going to the local pubs and cooking yummy dinners,” she says.

But, You Should Still Move

Instead, try to get some steps in. “I’ll still go for walks and a few runs because the gym will be there when I’m back, and I’m so okay with that. I’ll be physically refreshed, ready to smash my next training block,” she says.

3. Focus on Doing What Makes You Happy

Don’t feel like you have to follow in other people’s fitness footsteps. “You have to do what makes you feel your best. Just because you follow someone who is going to the gym on Christmas Day doesn’t mean you should feel bad for not going. Everyone should do what makes them their happiest,” she says.

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She Runs and Walks Because It Clears Her Head

“I move my body because it makes me feel so good and clears my head, but I’m also completely fine with taking some time away from the gym and enjoying some different forms of movement around Christmas,” she says. This includes “some runs in the countryside with Alex and dog walks with Vinny away in Norfolk.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Are you struggling to lose weight? Make this year your weight loss success story by avoiding some diet and fitness strategies that may be backfiring. Tameika Gentles is a fitness coach and weight loss warrior who dropped a whopping 100 pounds sustainably. In a new post, she reveals a few of the things she avoided doing that enabled her to lose a lot of weight. “5 controversial things I DO NOT recommend if you’re trying to lose 50 pounds or more (and I’ve lost 100 lbs…),” she writes across the Instagram video.

She’s Lost 100 Pounds and Kept It Off After Failing Over and Over Again

“I’ve been there—tried it all and failed HARD. But after losing 100 lbs and keeping it off, here’s what I’ve learned,” she continues in the post. “And what I’m sharing isn’t about what’s good or bad—it’s about what’s NOT necessary for long-term success.”

You “Don’t Need to Do” These 5 Things to Lose Weight

“No shame to those who choose these methods—do what works for YOU! This message is for the people who feel like they have to follow these trends to succeed. I’m here to tell you: you don’t. If you’re kicking off your weight loss journey in 2025, here are five things you don’t need to do,” she says.

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1. Fasting

Fasting is the first thing you don’t need to do in order to lose weight. “Fasting can work for some, but it’s not a must for results. Skipping meals often leads to overeating later, slows your metabolism, and can mess with your hormones. Sustainable weight loss is about finding balance, not extremes,” she writes.

2. Low Carb Diet

The second thing you don’t need to do? Go on low-carb diets. “Cutting carbs might lead to quick results, but is it realistic for life? Carbs fuel your body and mind—they’re not the enemy. You don’t need to cut out entire food groups to see progress,” she says.

3. Excessive Exercise

The third thing you don’t need to do? Excessive exercise. “More isn’t always better. It’s about consistency. 30 minutes of daily movement for a year beats an intense 3-week overhaul that leads to burnout and months of inactivity,” she writes.

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4. Detoxes

Number four? Detoxes. “Save your money. Your liver and kidneys are built-in detox powerhouses. Most detoxes are unnecessary (and some are even harmful). Focus on real, nourishing food instead,” she says.

5. Weight Loss Pills/Supplements

Weight loss pills and supplements are also not needed. “They’re often unregulated, unsustainable, and don’t address the behaviors that lead to lasting change. I lost 100 lbs without them, and my clients succeed without them, too. You don’t need them,” she says.

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Instead, Focus on Balance, Consistency, and What Works for You

“The key to sustainable weight loss isn’t doing what’s trendy—it’s finding what works for YOU. Starting your 2025 journey? Remember, you don’t need to follow extreme trends to see real, lasting progress. Focus on balance, consistency, and what fits your life,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.