By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY—With rich foods and copious sweet treats, it can be difficult to stay healthy through the holidays. This year, St. Vincent’s One Nineteen is helping members stay on track with the Holiday Challenge.

The goal of the challenge is to maintain the same weight from Thanksgiving through New Years. Participants will log their weight once during the week of Thanksgiving and once following New Years, those who meet the goal will be entered in a drawing for a St. Vincent’s One Nineteen gift card.

“We really just want to keep our fitness members more engaged, and this is a fun way for us to challenge them,” St. Vincent’s One Nineteen registered dietitian Jessica Cox said. “We really want people to have support through the holidays.”

Rather than dieting or weight loss, the Holiday Challenge focuses on a “specific, measurable and realistic goal,” Cox explained. Participants are encouraged to maintain a healthy lifestyle and eating habits without having to sacrifice their favorite seasonal foods.

“You can plan for a small portion of your favorite (holiday treats) and skip the ones you can live without,” Cox said.

Throughout the challenge, participants will receive support and encouragement through weekly emails with health tips.

“Each week, we’re going to include a nutrition tip from me and a fitness tip from (St. Vincent’s One Nineteen fitness trainer) Sarah (Detwiler),” Cox said.

Participants will receive fitness facts and fun workouts they can do at home. They’ll also get tips for surviving a holiday party and ways to build a healthy Thanksgiving plate, Cox said.

The challenge is free for St. Vincent’s One Nineteen fitness members, and no advance registration is required.