The sweet smell of soup-on-the-stove is upon us. Comfort is creeping in as we start to get into the holiday craziness. “Temptations” strike as home visits, holiday gatherings, and endless food are on our plates. What a beautiful thing. I love the holidays, I love the break, I love the relaxation, but you know what I don’t love: “the holiday gulit”. I am here to share all my favorite tips to indulging in all the fun, intuitively. With a mindful approach to eating, to help maintain a healthy balance between enjoyment and wellness.
Navigating the Holiday Feast: Health and Wellness Tips for Eating Out and Traveling Intuitively
1. Plan Ahead
Traveling during the holidays often means navigating a variety of dining options. For me a travel day is typically long, packing nutritional snacks to lessen the stress of finding the perfect airport/ gas station meal helps tremendously. No need to overthink it, just prep some snacks that are already in your routine and are reliable for those unexpected hunger strikes. For me, hard boiling a few eggs, making my go-to yogurt bowl, or even a sandwich will do the trick. AND before you ask Yes, Security allows it. When packing isn’t an option, being aware what your airport offers and going for a nutritious option is that will digest comfortably is key! As countless hours will be spent sitting on the plane or in a car, the worst feeling is going for something that your body isn’t used to. My go- to is the delish Chick Fil A grilled chicken wrap!
2. The 2- Round Tactic
Buffets, my biggest dream and could be scariest nightmare. IT DOESN’T HAVE TO FEEL THAT WAY! Being a foodie, I will in fact be helping myself to each and every dish, light AND HEAVY. I just have a secret ” 2-Round” tactic to indulge intuitively.
When the first walk through happens, that first plate, I am going to go for the proteins, the vegetables, and ” lighter” sides, usually baked, grilled, or steamed. I’m talking turkey, your vegetarian aunts random casserole, brisket, greens, whatever it may be. Take time to savor each bite, engage with the flavors, and listen to your body’s hunger signals. Next, round two what an exciting moment! The mac and cheese, double stuffed potatoes, grandma’s famous rolls. SAVOR IT, ENJOY IT, the thing is because these wonderful options happened after round one, you were able to select what was gonna satisfy the rest of your hunger, without overdoing it. Trying out this tactic instead of restricting yourself from enjoying all the things that you typically wouldn’t eat will make the holidays much more enjoyable, while preventing that overeating guilt. Granted, you will eat more than you would on your average thursday, AND THAT IS 100% OKAY! This little 2-round tactic, is just a helpful measure to getting in all the goodness:)
4. Prioritize Hydration
Staying hydrated is especially important during the holidays, with travel stress and rich meals often taking center stage. Starting my day with warm tea before coffee has become a habit that helps me feel grounded and hydrated. During the season, alcohol often flows freely, so having a reusable water bottle on hand is a helpful reminder to drink water throughout the day. Staying hydrated keeps you energized and feeling your best while indulging.
6. Enjoy the Sweets and Treats
Let’s be honest, holiday treats are the best part of the celebration! There is no need to try and steer away from it, just enjoying in moderation is key. The obvious answer to “healthy eating” is instead of denying yourself sweets or indulgent dishes, allow for small portions. In my case, that is super difficult when surrounded by so much goodness. Being a true sweet tooth at heart, I always like to have some dessert recipes in my back pocket that match my typical eating habits. Pulling up to the gatherings with a dessert you know you can dive into, along with all the other delicious options, may help plating with a peace of mind, while giving you the opportunity to try new things. By enjoying treats intuitively, you can relish the flavors while maintaining a balanced perspective .
7. Stay Active
Although being away from home makes it difficult, incorporating physical activity into your holiday routine can help offset stress levels and larger meals. Whether it’s a walk after dinner, a dance party, or a short workout session, staying active can boost your mood and energy levels. I don’t know about yall, but when I am surrounded by my family all day, a little 30 minute break to myself is the perfect escape. Taking time for movement, not only counters the effects of holiday indulgence but also enhances the overall festive spirit .
8. Create Space for Mental Wellness
The holidays are more than just food and festivities—they can also bring stress and overwhelm. Making time for mental wellness is just as important as staying physically active or eating intuitively. With the buzz of family gatherings and back-to-back events, carving out a few moments for yourself can make all the difference. Whether it’s a quick meditation session in the morning, journaling your intentions for the day, or a quiet walk outside, these small acts help reset your mind and keep you grounded.
Personally, I love starting my mornings with deep breathing exercises before the holiday craziness begins. It helps me stay present and focused, even when schedules get chaotic. Remember, prioritizing your mental wellness isn’t selfish—it allows you to show up as your best self for the people you love and fully enjoy the holiday season.
Final Thoughts
The holidays are a time for joy, connection, and indulgence—but they don’t have to come with guilt. By planning ahead, being mindful of what you eat, staying hydrated, and sneaking in movement, you can maintain a healthy balance while enjoying every moment of the season. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection. Embrace the festivities and make memories that fuel both your soul and body!
