How To Eat Healthy Over the Holidays
The holidays are magical, full of fun and excitement—but let’s be honest, they’re also busy, stressful, and full of temptations. It’s easy to feel like healthy eating has to take a backseat until January, especially when faced with holiday parties, office potlucks, and cookie exchanges. Here’s the thing: there’s a way that you can stick with your healthy habits and enjoy the season.
The secret? Lower your expectations.
To be fair, there are actually a couple of ways you can eat healthy over the holidays, but some aren’t so fun. The first option is to hold on so tightly to those goals that you miss out on celebrating - either because you don’t eat some of your favorite “less healthy” options, or because you literally do not go to the celebrations. If you want to do that, fine, but avoidance isn’t the best long-term strategy.
On the other hand, lowering your expectations allows you some wiggle room in the midst of a busy season. (You can apply this strategy to things like traveling, sickness, or postpartum as well). Instead of striving for perfection or diving headfirst into a “last supper mentality” where you eat all the things until January try this: focus on one or two small habits you can stick with. Consistency—not perfection—will help you find stability during the holiday hustle.
Here are a few simple habits to consider:
Start your day with protein. Including protein at breakfast (think eggs, Greek yogurt, or a protein smoothie) sets you up for fewer cravings and more energy all day long.
Stay hydrated. Drinking water throughout the day helps curb mindless snacking and keeps you feeling good. Add a festive twist with a splash of cranberry or a squeeze of citrus.
Stick to your meal rhythm. Even on busy or party-filled days, try to maintain your regular eating schedule. Skipping meals to “save up” for a big dinner often backfires - you end up overly hungry and unable to make the choices you really want to make.
Savor indulgences. Instead of sampling everything at the dessert table, pick your absolute favorite treat and truly enjoy it, guilt-free.
Move daily. Whether it’s a quick walk, a midday dance party, or a 10-minute stretch, a little movement helps with energy and stress. Again, choose something you can commit to even if traveling or in the middle of holiday prep.
The holidays don’t have to be all or nothing. By focusing on small, manageable habits, you’ll feel more balanced and in control—and still enjoy the season’s magic. You’ll also rack up some consistency before going into the new year and be more likely to stick with those goals after the resolution haze wears off.
So go ahead, lower those expectations. Healthy living doesn’t mean skipping the pumpkin pie or the office party—it means finding what works for you in this season of life.
You’ve got this!