The festive season has been in full swing, with everyone indulging in Christmas food, gifts, and films.
Naturally, this time of year allows for guilt-free enjoyment of food and drink. However, for some, thoughts of weight loss linger in the background.
The prospect of resuming a fitness routine in 2025 can seem intimidating, especially with experts advising people to relax during this period. Now a doctor on TikTok shared one crucial thing to avoid after Christmas.
In an online post, user @healthy_little_lifter, also known as Doctor Aisling Gough, offered some sound advice to her 13,500 followers. She stated: “If you’re feeling a bit rubbish post-Christmas.
“You’ve put on a bit of weight, you’re feeling a bit bloated and a bit ugh. And you’re thinking today is the day I’m going to get back on track, I’m going to lose weight. Here are some things you can think about…”
Firstly, she encouraged people to step away from the scales and refrain from weighing themselves at all costs. She further explained: “Give it another week because the scales are probably going to go up.
“Not because you’ve overeaten, overindulged and you’ve gained body fat. That’s not the reason. It’s not just body fat, it’s body weight. Body weight and body fat are two different things, if you eat more carbs, the word is carboHYDRATE, you’ll hold onto water.”
The doctor highlighted multiple factors that can impact digestion and weight fluctuations, including increased sodium intake and insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables.
These variables can hinder bowel movements and, as a result, contribute to apparent weight gain. “Give it another week, do not weigh yourself,” the specialist advised.
“It’s absolutely fine to kind of get momentum going, get back into routine and maybe start new healthy habits you want to implement for the year ahead.”
For those who may have already stepped on the scale, Dr. Aisling recommended: “Don’t freak out, don’t do anything. And for the love of God, do not get sucked into a fad or detox.”
The post resonated with a wide audience, earning numerous likes and comments. One follower commented: “Definitely excess weight on the scale this period is water retention.”
Another expressed gratitude, saying: “I don’t know if my phone is listening to me or what, but thank you. I needed it.”