AHS November Blog: 2022 Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less Holiday Challenge

The Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences publishes a monthly blog written by students, alumni, and faculty sharing important topics and helpful resources related to the fields of agricultural, extension, and human science. In the November blog post, AHS staff member Casey Collins, provides details about the annual Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less Holiday Challenge.

Many Americans gain between 1 and 5 pounds each holiday season. While it may not sound like much, most people never manage to lose these extra pounds. Rather than focusing on trying to lose weight, this FREE seven-week program provides you with strategies and resources to help maintain your weight throughout the holiday season. Participants receive weekly newsletters and daily tips that contain practical strategies, recipes and other information to help them successfully navigate the holiday season. The 2022 Holiday Challenge runs from November 14th through December 31st and registration does not close throughout the program.

Last year, over 47,600 people from all 50 States, all 100 North Carolina counties and 28 additional countries participated in the 2021 Holiday Challenge. To see how your state participated, and for the rest of the 2021 Holiday Challenge outcomes, view the 2021 Final Report.

Read the Holiday Challenge newsletter and daily tips each week for tips and strategies to help you eat smart, move more and maintain your weight. Incorporate the Daily Tips into your everyday routine and test the healthy recipes. You can participate as little or as much as you want. After over a decade of providing the Holiday Challenge, we have found that the more someone participates, the better their outcomes will be!

Receive Weekly Newsletters, Weekly Challenges, and Daily Tips directly to your inbox!

• Survive a holiday party
• Manage holiday stress
• Fit physical activity into your day
• Plus healthy recipes!
• Additional support on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter

Promote the Challenge to your Worksite or Community

Visit our Holiday Challenge Tools page to find free resources to promote the Holiday Challenge to your worksite or community. The strategies provided are suggestions are from worksites that have previously promoted the program to their employees. These resources are intended to be a guide. We encourage you to get creative and customize them as you see fit.

Participant Testimonial

“The Holiday Challenge was great fun! I was already running and eating well but the Challenge held me accountable to do more! I was able to share in the Facebook Group daily with others around the US. I know that I inspired others. I was also inspired by others. I’ve gained many new friends without having to know them! I’m truly grateful to have been a part of this great Challenge.“

– Rich, 2021 Holiday Challenge Participant

You are invited to join the 16th annual Holiday Challenge!

For questions or additional information, please email holidaychallenge@esmmweighless.com.