3 Tips to Stay on Top of Your Health Goals This Holiday Season
Living a healthy lifestyle is essential for a full and vibrant life. And the key word in that sentence is lifestyle.
The holiday season can often bring stress when it comes to food. It’s easy to get caught up in anxious thoughts about calorie counts, sugar content in desserts, or the type of oils Aunt Becky used in her casserole. These thoughts can pull you out of the present moment, taking away from the joy of spending time with loved ones. But remember, just like eating one salad won’t magically help you reach your health goals, one indulgent meal won’t undo all your progress. Here are three practical tips to help you stay consistent with your healthy lifestyle while staying fully present in the season.
1. Moderation, Moderation, Moderation
Can I say moderation one more time? If you learn anything from these tips, please let this one be the one that sticks with you.
Choosing to live a healthy lifestyle can be incredibly freeing. Our bodies thrive on balance, so if 80% of the time you’re nourishing yourself with nutrient-dense foods, and 20% includes your favorite sweet or salty indulgences, you’ll stay on track with your goals. Even if that 20% creeps up to 40% during the holidays, it won’t derail your progress. So go ahead and enjoy the stuffing, mashed potatoes, pies, and cookies calling your name. Depriving yourself by forcing down carrots to try to avoid these cravings won’t leave you satisfied. Instead, focus on moderation: be mindful of portions, add protein and veggies to your plate, and eat until you’re comfortably full—not in a food coma.
2. Get Some Veggies and Protein on Your Plate
Enjoy your mashed potatoes, candied sweet potatoes, and cornbread, but don’t forget to balance your plate with some veggies and protein. These additions provide essential nutrients and fiber, helping you stay full and energized while preventing overeating.
Quick Tips:
Start with a salad or roasted veggies before diving into the heavier dishes.
Sneak greens into holiday favorites, like adding spinach to casseroles or Brussels sprouts to your sides.
3. Stop Stressing the F Out!!
The holiday season is already stressful enough, so don’t let food add to it. Worrying excessively about what you eat can actually cause more harm than good—chronic stress can lead to overeating, poor digestion, and even a weakened immune system (not exactly the holiday cheer you’re hoping for). Years from now, you won’t be reminiscing about that slice of pie or batch of cookies you ate; you’ll remember the joy of spending time with your loved ones. So take a deep breath, savor the moment, and remember—it’s not that serious. You'll ease back into your healthy lifestyle before you know it, because that's exactly what it is—a lifestyle. You consistently show up for yourself every day, and that commitment won’t stop after the holidays. Trust yourself.
Wishing you a mindful and joyful holiday season! 🤎
