This solo episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition podcast is a holiday special, but suitable for listening all year round! I talk about the increase in triggering messages and diet culture myths during the holidays, especially around weight gain. I reveal the truth about holiday weight gain, normalizing body changes throughout the year, including weight fluctuations in athletes’ off-seasons. Weight gain, especially for athletes, is often a very positive thing for health and performance. Enjoying the holidays and/or off-season, with all the special food and activity shifts, does not inherently mean weight gain: if your body does change, the science suggests it will be minimal and balanced out across different seasons. Remember, seek support from a registered dietitian if you are struggling with your fueling, as well as thoughts around food and your body: we are here to help! TOPIC TIMESTAMPS: 1:20 The fear of overfueling and diet culture messaging 5:20 Weight gain during the holiday season 7:10 Normalizing weight fluctuations  13:00 Weight gain as a positive change  14:45 Off-season weight changes in athletes 17:15 Summary: how a sports dietician views weight changes  I mentioned Episode 160. The Fear of Overfueling + Trail Running Nutrition with Keely Henninger for more on this topic. Follow me, your host Lindsey Cortes, on Instagram @female.athlete.nutrition  If you find value in this podcast and would like to support the show, join our patreon community! Become part of our Fiercely Fit and Fueled community today, and receive bonus episodes, merch, monthly recipes, access to an exclusive community message board, and have the chance to ask Lindsey your questions and get a podcast shoutout, and more! Head to patreon today patreon.com/femaleathletenutrition Your support means a lot! Need help with your fueling? Want to get in touch with Lindsey? Interested in the Female Athlete System of Transformation?  Head to www.RiseUpNutritionRUN.com to learn more & book a call! THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Previnex: https://www.previnex.com/ use code RISEUP for 15% off at checkout InsideTracker: www.insidetracker.com use code RISEUPNUTRITION for 20% off the entire store  THIS PODCAST IS ALSO SUPPORTED BY: Orgain, head to www.orgain.com and use the code RISEUP30 for 30% off your first order. Repeat customers can use the code OA2203 for 25% off future orders. Practice Better Click the link below to view plans and get a 14-day free trial. Then use the code RISEUP20 for 20% off your first 4 months: https://practicebetter.grsm.io/runp  Jen & Keri: https://jenandkeri.com/ use code RISEUP10 for $10 off your order