Plateaus in December: Normal or Not?
- emilytillsrd
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever felt like your progress slows (or even stalls) in December, you’re not alone.
Every year, I hear women say:
“I was feeling so good… and now I’m stuck.”
“I thought I ruined everything.”
“I’ll just start again in January.”
But here’s the truth:
Plateaus in December are normal, and they’re not a sign of failure.
Today we'll break down why it happens, what’s going on in your body, and how to break the plateau without restriction, guilt, or starting over in the new year.
Are Plateaus in December Normal?
Yes.
And here’s why:
December brings less structure and more stress, which affects your metabolism, appetite, cravings, energy, and motivation.
A few shifts happen this time of year:
You’re busier
You eat more meals out
You snack on more sweets
You drink less water
You get less sleep
You feel more stress
Your body isn't broken.
It's overwhelmed.
And overwhelmed bodies don’t respond the same way as rested, nourished, supported bodies.
Why Plateaus in December Happen (Physiologically)
Let’s look at what’s going on under the surface:
1. Busier Schedules = Less Structure
When your day feels chaotic:
You skip meals
You graze instead of eating balanced meals
You grab whatever is around
This leads to blood sugar swings, more cravings, and less fullness.
2. More Meals Out = Less Fiber + Less Balance
Restaurant and holiday meals tend to have:
Less protein
Less fiber
Less micronutrients
These foods aren’t “bad” — they just don’t keep you satisfied and regulated the same way.
3. More Sweets = Higher Cravings
Desserts aren’t the problem.
It’s when sweets replace balanced meals.
Blood sugar spikes + crashes increase:
Hunger
Cravings
Low energy
which makes your body feel “stuck.”
4. Less Sleep + More Stress = Slower Progress
Sleep and stress have massive effects on:
Cravings
Appetite hormones
Fatigue
Digestion
A stressed body doesn’t want to burn fat — it wants safety.
So if your progress feels slower, it’s not a discipline problem.
It’s physiology.
How to Break a December Plateau (Without Restriction)
Here are the three simple strategies that work every time — without dieting or punishing your body.
1. Bring Back Balance and Routine
Not strict. Not perfect. Just supportive.
Aim for:
A morning meal with protein
Balanced meals (protein + carbs + fats)
Snacks that keep you stable
Routine helps your body regulate hunger, cravings, and energy.
2. Reduce Stress + Build Rest
Plateaus often come from stress, not overeating.
Try:
A bedtime routine
10 minutes of screen-free time
Saying “no” to something
A slow morning routine
Your nervous system needs calm to help your metabolism function.
3. Move Your Body in Realistic Ways
Not an intense 90-minute workout.
Movement can look like:
A walk
Stretching
10 minutes of strength
Parking farther away
Taking stairs
Body in motion = metabolism supported.
Plateaus in December: Normal or Not?
The short answer?
Yes — they’re normal.
The better answer?
They’re temporary. And they’re fixable.
You don’t need:
More discipline
More restriction
A January restart
You need support, structure, and strategies that work with your life, not against it.
Want support breaking through your December plateau?
You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Inside the Nourished Membership, you get:
Simple guidance
Personalized feedback
Habit support
Real-life strategies that meet you where you are
It’s the support that helps you feel confident through the holidays and beyond.