Are you asking yourself, “how can I stay healthy for the holidays AND feel great too?
The holiday season is upon us—and we all know what that means. Sugar cookies and cocoa and cocktails, oh my!
For folks who strive to be health-conscious and make intentional nutritional choices, this time of year can feel a bit like a no-win situation.
Do you forego your holiday favorites in favor of sticking to your nutritional plan? Do you skip the parties entirely? Go to the parties, but deprive yourself of any treats? Do you commit to being that person (you know what I mean) every time you’re faced with seasonal treats?
Or do you let yourself “take some time off” from your health routines? Do you enjoy the holidays to your heart’s (and stomach’s) content and jingle all the way off the rails and into January with the fatigue, bloat, weight gain, and guilt that surely await you?
Maybe the answer is: Neither. Maybe this year, it truly doesn’t have to be that way.
As a health and nutrition expert, I’ve spent a LOT of time thinking about the best way to navigate the holidays. Whether in consideration of my clients’ success or my own, I’ve pondered virtually every possible strategy for succeeding with one’s health and nutritional goals during what is, indisputably, the most nutritionally challenging time of the year. And I’ve come to a conclusion: It’s not about doing things one, singular “right way.” It’s about looking at your goals, looking at your plans, and figuring out what’s going to make sense for you.
It’s about devising a plan and sticking to it as best you can.
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How to Plan to Stay Healthy for the Holidays
You might be wondering . . . How exactly does one plan for an entire season? There’s no hard-and-fast set of rules, but in general, here are the steps I’d recommend you take:
- Be Intentional With Your Goals.
What are you trying to accomplish this season? Are you simply trying to maintain your progress and not backslide between now and 2020? Or are you working towards a very specific, looming goal?
Someone who just wants to maintain is going to need to make different choices than someone who’s intentionally trying to trim down and tone up for an early February wedding. So ask yourself: What are you hoping to achieve health-wise in the next couple of months? And how consistent do you need to be with your plan to make those things happen? - Get a Handle on Your Social Obligations.
Is it just me, or does it feel like there’s a different party, celebration, school program, etc. happening every few days?? It’s great to lead an active social life, but during a time of year that can be somewhat socially demanding, you might need to pick and choose which events you’re going to.
This is smart for two reasons: first, going to fewer events means fewer opportunities to overeat. But perhaps even more importantly, only going to events that you truly want to go to will help you find time to recharge your batteries in the midst of all the holiday hubbub. When you feel better, you make better choices, and you actually have the energy to enjoy the activities you do decide to participate in. - Do What You Can—And Can the Rest.
I wish I could take credit for making that saying up. Full disclosure: This is advice that I got from my neighbor during a tough time. BUT the sentiment is one I’ve always loved, because sometimes in life, you just have to commit to doing your best and being okay with whatever happens.
Obviously planning for success is important; I’d never tell you otherwise! But regardless of the season, there’s no such thing as perfect. If you end up eating more or exercising less than you meant to, don’t sweat it. Just shrug your shoulders and try to do better tomorrow. As important as nutrition and exercise are in living a healthy lifestyle, your SANITY is the most important thing. Focus on doing what feels good, ditch the guilt, and enjoy your holiday season while it’s here, whatever that means to you.
Whatever your plans are, I wish you a season full of good tidings, great joy, and success with all your health goals – including to stay healthy for the holidays! For more great conversation, health and nutrition tips, and accountability from other women who’ve committed to making healthier choices, join me in my free group, Never Diet Again!
Cheers, and happy holidays!
Dawn McGee is a foodie, mom, author, and certified and licensed Venice Nutrition Coach. She loves helping women learn to improve their health habits today, and for a lifetime.
DAWN MCGEE
Dawn McGee is a certified and licensed Nutrition Evangelist and a long-time foodie, she focuses on both the health and joy of food as fuel for your body. She is a driving force in bringing education on healthy eating to more people through her community, my “Reclaim Your Life, One Bite at a Time” programs, and my book “365 Days of Healthy Living”. Her hope for you is that you live a life you love, without being hungry, feeling deprived, or giving up your glass
