Enjoy the Holidays: Nourishment Without Deprivation
November and December can feel like a whirlwind of treats, parties, and indulgences. That leaves many of us struggling to balance our health goals while also wanting to enjoy the fun. What if you could enjoy the season without feeling deprived—or overwhelmed by guilt?
I offer you the four tips below to help you prioritize your health while still enjoying the goodness and fun of the holidays.
#1: Focus on Whole, Nourishing Foods
There’s a lot to do this month! Your body needs energy to keep up.
By prioritizing whole foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains, you’ll support your body on a cellular level. Your body needs macronutrients (complex carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats) to function at its best. It also needs an incredible variety of micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants).
Don’t worry! I’m not telling you to never eat a Christmas cookie again. What I will suggest you do, however, is have a healthy snack before heading out to a party. When you eat the more nutrient-dense foods, and especially complex carbs and protein, you’ll feel more satisfied and so will be more likely to avoid the temptation to overindulge in sweets. It’s also a good idea to keep snacks on hand as you’re running around. A small container of nuts, a protein bar can live in your purse or your glovebox.
#2: Enjoy Treats Mindfully
It’s inevitable. As soon as you tell yourself you aren’t going to snack on the cookies, your brain will automatically want them even more.
Instead of swearing off Christmas cookies or other treats, practice enjoying the ones you do choose to eat. When you do have a treat, savor it. Eat it slowly and notice when you’re satisfied. This might even change what treats you choose. I know I’d much rather have one or two anise cookies dunked in my cup of decaf than four or five of the frosting covered sugar cookies my kids love.
If you want more info about mindful eating or some tips, check out last month’s blog post!
#3: Plan and Prepare Ahead
We’ve all been there. When the calendar fills up with commitments, it’s easy to turn to takeout or that frozen pizza in the freezer.
I’m not judging anyone for their food choices. I’ve got a frozen pizza in my freezer, too! This is a good reminder for you and me both about how planning ahead is key. Need a few ideas? 24 Freezer Dinners for Busy Weeknights has recipes broken out by protein with a handy chart so you can quickly see if it’s a crockpot, instant pot or oven meal.
You don’t have to plan every single meal of the week. Knowing what you’ll be eating for even one or two meals can help you make better decisions. For example, if you know you’ll be at a party Friday night, plan to have a nutritious dinner on Thursday. Then perhaps on Friday you have a big salad for lunch and some veggies and hummus before you leave for the party.
It also doesn’t have to just be about meals. Remember tip #1 and keep easy-to-grab snacks like nuts, apple slices, carrots, or boiled eggs on hand for busy days.
#4: Stay Hydrated and Listen to Your Body
When we’re running around and probably drinking more coffee than normal, it’s helpful to remember that dehydration can masquerade as hunger.
Start each morning with a tall glass of water and carry your favorite water bottle with you throughout the day. It’s also a good idea before you grab that cup of coffee, a Celsius, or a snack to take a moment to check in with your body. Are you hungry or really just thirsty? Are you just craving an emotional pick-me-up?
Sometimes, a walk, a prayer, or a quick moment of stillness can refresh your spirit more than a snack or caffeine. If you find that after a glass of water or a short walk you’re still feeling snackish, go ahead and eat something and see tip #2. 😉
Final thoughts
There’s a time and a place for eliminating certain foods from our diets, but in general remember “everything in moderation.” No one eats “perfectly” and if they do, they likely don’t have a great relationship with food. I’m a big fan of the 80/20 rule. Try to eat well 80 percent of the time and be okay with and enjoy the other 20 percent. No guilt.
This holiday season, remind yourself that eating well isn’t about restriction or deprivation—it’s about fueling your body and caring for the body God’s given you. With a little planning and a mindful approach, you can enjoy this time of year without sacrificing your health or your joy.
Have a crazy schedule coming up and want to talk through how to best get through it?
Schedule an Action & Accountability call with me. It’s totally free and you’ll leave with 1-2 simple action steps you can take to support your health. And, I’ll check in with you a week later to see how things are going! Click here to find the time that works best for you.
