How to enjoy the holiday without the january guilt!
Fed up with fighting to feel good again every New Year? Let's make this holiday season different.
Happy Holidays!
In this guide, you'll learn practical strategies to enjoy holiday festivities while maintaining your health. We'll cover smart meal timing, alcohol management, and mindful eating techniques that let you celebrate without sacrificing your wellbeing. Perfect for anyone who wants to break the cycle of holiday indulgence and New Year's regret.
As a Clinical Nutritionist, I've heard it all when it comes to holiday eating. "You're a nutritionist - should you be eating that?" Or the classic, "But it's Christmas, you should eat what you want!"
Here's the truth: you can absolutely enjoy the holiday season without feeling like you need a complete do-over come January. No more restrictive diets or desperate detoxes after a month of overindulgence. Let me show you how.
Stop Skipping Meals (It's Making Things Worse)
We've all been there - skipping meals to "save calories" for the big holiday party. But here's why this strategy backfires:
Your blood sugar drops, leading to intense cravings and hunger pangs
You arrive at events famished, making overeating almost inevitable
Your metabolism actually slows down as a protective measure
It can trigger guilt and negative thought patterns around food
Instead, eat balanced meals throughout the day. Before a recent evening out, I had eggs with spinach, mushrooms, and avocado for breakfast, followed by a lunch of chicken, sweet potatoes, and cruciferous vegetables. This approach provides steady energy and helps your body handle evening indulgences.
Smart Alcohol Strategies
Want to enjoy some drinks without feeling terrible? Here's what works:
Choose lighter-colored alcohols (vodka, gin) over darker ones (whiskey, red wine) to reduce congeners that worsen hangovers
Stay hydrated with water between drinks
Eat liver-supporting foods like brussels sprouts, broccoli, garlic, and onion
Consider taking milk thistle supplement before and after drinking
Mix spirits with soda water and fresh juice instead of sugary mixers
Hangover Recovery Foods That Actually Work
If you do overindulge, focus on these foods:
Eggs (contain cystine to help break down alcohol byproducts)
Bananas (restore electrolytes)
Ginger (settles the stomach)
Oats (stabilizes blood sugar)
Avocados (healthy fats and potassium)
Bone broth (hydration and amino acids)
Maintaining Your Weight Without Stress
Nobody expects to lose weight during the holidays, but you don't have to gain either. Here's how:
Practice mindful eating - focus on taste, texture, and satisfaction
Make vegetables half your plate, even at parties
Never skip breakfast
Stay active - even a post-meal winter walk helps
Plan ahead for parties and events
Permission to Enjoy Yourself
Remember: there's more to health than just the food we eat. If you choose to indulge, do it mindfully and without guilt. Sit down, savor that piece of pumpkin pie, and enjoy the company of those around you.
You don't need to explain your choices to anyone. Whether you're choosing to skip the cookies or have an extra glass of wine, it's your decision. A simple "I'm not in the mood for that right now" or "Yes, and I'm going to enjoy it!" is all you need to say.
Ready to Take Control of Your Holiday Health?
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