Almost every year after the holiday season Cheryl Laidlaw gains a little food baby.
Last year she was able to maintain her weight even while vacationing in Jamaica. She credits her participation in the Holiday Hold 'em challenge.
"I have no willpower. Doing this challenge make me forced to have will power," said the View Royal resident.
Back to Back Chiropractic in Colwood hosts the free challenge open to anyone that consists of regular weigh-ins at the clinic through the season. Every time a client maintains or loses weight they enter their name in a draw for prizes. Last year Laidlaw won a tablet computer, but the real win was not gaining weight.
Every year she travels to somewhere warm for the holidays with her husband, this year it's Mexico.
"I come back and look like I am three months pregnant," Laidlaw said. "The challenge keeps me focused and on track. Usually I gain a minimum of five pounds but it's usually seven to 10 pounds.
"The saying of ‘through the lips and to the hips’ is so true," Laidlaw said. "My God, if I can get through another holiday without having a (food) baby, it'll make all the difference."
The Holiday Hold 'Em begins now and runs until the end of January. A mid-contest weigh-in is held in December.
Each time a participant maintains or loses weight, they can enter their name in for a draw.
This year's prizes include spa prizes, massage gift certificates, personal training sessions and a VIBE machine valued at $1,500.
"Christmas is an emotionally charged and indulgent time," said Dr. Stefan Rabnett, who practises traditional Chinese medicine, at Back to Back Chiropractic.
Rabnett hopes to see people use the challenge to become more self aware about their bodies and decisions during the holidays.
"Hydration is incredibly important," Rabnett said. "People can have something indulgent and then have a glass of water."
The Holiday Hold 'em is free and open to anyone. The first set of weigh-ins are on Nov. 15, 16 and 17.
Call 250-391-9761 for a weigh-in time. Drop-ins also accepted. The clinic is located at 102-2227 Sooke Rd.