Celebrate the Holidays Without Feeling Out of Control
The holiday season is almost here with sparkling lights, cozy gatherings, festive meals… and also a whole lot of opportunities to slip into habits that don’t support your weight loss or wellness goals.
December is magical, but it can also feel like a perfect storm of food, alcohol, stress, late nights, and social pressure. Many people arrive in January feeling heavier, sluggish, and frustrated, almost like they’re starting over.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between enjoying the holidays and staying committed to your health. With a few simple strategies, you can feel in control, stay energized, and still indulge mindfully in the parts of the season you truly love.
To make this even easier, I’m gifting you my FREE 25-Day Healthy Holiday Plan—complete with 3 recipes/day, simple tips, and supportive guidance to help you enjoy the holidays without the overwhelm.
👉 Download your free plan here.
Why the Holidays Feel So Challenging
Holiday eating isn’t just about food, it’s emotional, social, nostalgic, and sometimes even stressful. Many clients tell me they struggle with:
- Pressure to eat foods they don’t even really want
- Losing track of portions while socializing
- Feeling “off” when their intermittent fasting routine gets disrupted
- Turning to food or drinks to cope with stress or exhaustion
- Guilt or regret after overeating
- Worrying that one “off” weekend derails all progress
You are not alone. The holidays naturally disrupt routines but with intention, not extreme deprivation, you can stay grounded and avoid the snowball effect.
Here are the strategies I share with my clients every year:
1. Protect Your Routine
(Especially Intermittent Fasting)
Your routine is your anchor.
You may not have perfect days, but by keeping a simple structure like your intermittent fasting window, hydration habits, or protein goals you will then keep yourself and metabolism stable and prevent overeating.
Even if your window shifts a bit during social events, sticking to some version of your routine maintains momentum and supports fat loss. You will also feel a sense of personal power and achievement
Try this:
- Keep a shorter eating window on quieter days
- Eat a balanced meal before events so you’re not arriving overly hungry
- Break your fast with protein + colorful veg to stabilize energy
Consistency, not perfection is what supports weight loss or weight maintenance through the holidays.
2. Choose What You Really Want
(Not What You Feel Pressured to Eat)
Holiday foods are everywhere, but you don’t need to say yes to everything.
Pick the things you genuinely enjoy and skip the ones that don’t feel worth it.
This simple shift eliminates mindless calories and keeps you aligned with your goals.
Ask yourself:
“Is this something I truly want, or just something that’s here?”
This small moment of awareness creates big wins.
3. Slow Down at the Table
Most holiday overeating happens because we’re distracted while eating or we rush through meals between conversations.
Try:
- Putting your fork down between bites
- Taking small pauses so you can feel satisfied before you feel stuffed
- Being selective about eating seconds and wait 10 minutes to decide
Mindful eating helps prevent discomfort, bloating, and that heavy “why did I eat so much?” feeling.
4. Watch the Hidden Calories, Especially Liquid Ones
Holiday beverages add up fast: festive coffees, cocktails, creamy drinks, even “healthy” lattes can stack on hundreds of calories without you noticing.
That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them just be intentional.
Try alternating cocktails with water or sparkling water, or choose lighter drinks when possible. Your energy (and sleep!) will thank you.
5. Manage Stress Before It Manages Your Eating
Holiday stress often leads to cravings, grazing, or overeating without even thinking about it.
A few ways to stay grounded:
- A 10-minute walk after meals
- A short breathing break before events or even during the event as required
- Setting boundaries around your time and commitments
- Getting enough sleep (huge for cravings and emotional eating)
When stress is under control, your choices feel more aligned and your appetite stays more stable.
6. Hydrate Like It’s Your Secret Advantage
Hydration reduces cravings, supports fat loss, and helps you feel more in control.
Aim for water before meals, between drinks, and throughout the day.
When you arrive at an event and you are being offered a “drink” just start with a mineral water first and then have that “drink”.
Most people feel better immediately simply by drinking more water during holiday events.
You Can Enjoy the Holidays and Support
Your Health
You truly don’t have to choose between feeling festive and staying on track with your weight loss or wellness goals. It doesn’t need to be an “either/or” situation.
Imagine entering January already feeling lighter, clearer, and proud of how you handled the season and not like you’re starting from scratch again with even more weight post holiday season.
Let’s make that your new normal.
🎁 Don’t forget to download your FREE 25-Day Healthy Holiday Plan
You’ll get 3 recipes/day, daily strategies, and simple guidance to help you enjoy the season feeling balanced, supported, and confident.
You deserve a holiday season filled with joy, not stress, guilt, or overwhelm. You’ve got this!