What is the 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

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

Promote the Holiday Challenge to your 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 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

The Holiday Challenge provides general resources for healthy eating and physical activity. It does not provide an exercise or nutrition plan designed for each participant and may not be appropriate for everyone. Participants should consult with their healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise or nutrition plan. If you would like a more in-depth program with personalized support, consider our other programs Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less and Eat Smart, Move More, Prevent Diabetes, partnership programs between NC State University and the NC Division of Public Health.

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