As a holistic nutritionist, the topic of healthier holiday eating is coming up in literally ALL of my 1-on-1 and group program calls this month! So I thought I would share some of my top strategies for holiday eating that help you enjoy the festive season without putting your body through the ringer.
But first, an important PSA: The holidays are NOT a time to start a diet, go on any crazy restrictions, or generally adopt a deprivation mindset. I’m not a fan of these tactics at any time of the year, but now is literally the worst time to put yourself through that. On the flipside, the holidays are also not a time to undo all the important work you’re (hopefully) doing throughout the rest of the year to maintain your health and feel your best. It’s not the time to abandon your healthy eating practices, movement routines and stress management tools. The key here, as with everything, is a middle ground. Here’s how to do it:
- Follow the 80/20 rule (which may look more like 70/30 this time of year). This is my favorite approach to moderation with all things wellness. Stay on your healthy eating game 80% of the time, which gives you way more flexibility with the remaining 20%. On days when you’re not partying, fill up on brightly colored veggies, lean proteins and whole grains. Before you head out for a night on the town, make sure you’ve fed your body healthy, satisfying foods, so you’re less likely to overindulge while you’re out. The same rule applies to movement and all your other healthy habits — stay on track 80% of the time, and give yourself some more leniency the rest of the time.
- Make healthier versions of your holiday favorites. If there’s a delicacy you LOVE this time of year, but you know you tend to overdo it (or it just makes you feel like crap), make a healthier version that won’t cause your body so much trouble! This could be keto or paleo versions of holiday treats, dairy-free nog, etc. Check out some of my favorite recipes below:
- Sugar-Free Eggnog (vegan option too!) via gnom-gnom
- Keto Gingerbread Cookies via Wholesome Yum
- Healthier takes on potato latkes via Well + Good
- Be mindful of the alcohol. Alcoholic beverages add tons of added unnecessary calories and can contribute to holiday fatigue, depression, and digestive upset. Instead of sugary cocktails, opt for simple but festive concoctions with lower sugar alcohols (vodka, whiskey, tequila) mixed with soda water and a citrus or splash of a festive fresh juice. Low sugar canned cocktails are my personal party favorite as well.
- Manage your stress. Your stress levels are directly related to your eating habits and cravings, so make sure you’re taking care of yourself this month (check out my post from earlier this week for tips). Get enough sleep, move your body, schedule in some downtime, and BREATHE. Adding a high quality adaptogen and probiotic this time of year is also really helpful for mitigating the effects of seasonal stress on your body.
- Don’t stress about a few extra holiday lbs. It’s totally normal to put on a couple of pounds over the holidays, and ultimately it’s NOT A BIG DEAL. Put away the scale (forever, but especially now), and just focus on what makes your body feel it’s best. Everything will go back to normal once you return to your healthy routine in January. (That said, the holidays are not a time to go haywire and throw all your hard work under the bus. Moderation is key!)
As we head into this final stretch of winter, we all seem to be getting a little fed up with the cold and the havoc it can wreak on our bodies and minds. I moved all the way across the country from New York to sunny Santa Monica to escape winter, and even here, in the temperate 60 degree winter temperature range, my feet are cold, I’m sipping hot tea all day long, and I’m pretty much living in my long, chunky knits.
