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Healthy Holiday Eating: How to Savor Without Sabotage
The holidays are here, and if you’re anything like me, the celebrations call for some serious comfort food! But staying mindful about what—and how much—we’re eating can make all the difference between an enjoyable holiday season and a food hangover that lingers into the new year. Here’s how the Fit Foodie tackles holiday feasts while staying healthy, happy, and well-fed.
The holiday spread can feel like a free-for-all, but setting clear boundaries keeps us from going overboard. For me, that means steering clear of sugar, processed foods, and starchy sides most of the time—but on the holiday itself, I make exceptions. I choose one or two treats I really love and save them for the main event. Having a plan makes it way easier to enjoy those special flavors without turning every gathering, cookie-baking session, and leftovers snack into an excuse to indulge.
When it’s time to eat, I start with real, nutrient-packed foods—meat, veggies, and any high-protein options. Loading up on these first is a game-changer because they fill me up and keep the cravings in check. At Thanksgiving, I load my plate with turkey and veggies, making sure to get plenty of protein and fiber before I dive into my chosen splurge (in my case, stuffing!).
Deciding what you’ll indulge in ahead of time is key. For example, on Thanksgiving, I skip the potatoes and go straight for the stuffing because it’s a personal favorite. Knowing I’ve picked my treat means I can go all-in on the gravy over everything without feeling deprived. The key is to pick what you love most, savor it, and skip the rest. This way, you don’t feel like you’re missing out, but you’re also not piling on extra calories and carbs that don’t feel worth it.
One indulgent day won’t undo all the healthy eating you’ve done, but it’s easy to let the holiday spirit stretch out. Here’s my rule: the holiday meal is one day. Thanksgiving is Thursday, not the whole weekend! I stick to my usual meals leading up to the holiday, and the morning of, I have my typical breakfast. During the festivities, I avoid grazing on sweets and snacks in the lead-up to dinner, sticking to real food appetizers like veggie trays, cheese, or meats.
Once the feast is over, I pack up any tempting leftovers and send them home with friends and family. Trust me; this is a lifesaver. Keeping indulgent foods around for the next few days can easily turn one holiday meal into a week-long setback. Instead, savor it all on the day, and then get back to your regular healthy routine.
For some of us, sugar is a slippery slope! If sweets are your thing, go ahead and indulge—but with a little strategy. I opt out of dessert because I know one bite could lead to many more, but I still enjoy a festive coffee with sugar-free syrup as a treat instead. If you’re having dessert, choose your favorite, enjoy it slowly, and then call it good.
The best part of any holiday is the time spent with loved ones. So when I sit down with family and friends, my goal is to enjoy the whole experience—not just the food. Knowing I’ve picked the foods I really want and planned my plate lets me focus more on the conversations, laughter, and memories being made around the table. And that’s what makes the holidays so special.
So, here’s my holiday eating plan in a nutshell: decide what’s worth indulging in, stick to whole foods as much as possible, and keep it all to one day. You can absolutely enjoy all the festive flavors without derailing your health goals. It’s all about a little planning, a lot of enjoyment, and keeping those treats to the celebration day itself.
With just a bit of strategy, you can savor the season and feel great doing it!
Meet Amber Valentine, a bold and empowering speaker known for her 300 pound transformation story. She is a Certified Personal Trainer, Weight Loss Coach, and an expert in helping women unleash their inner Bad B. As the CEO of Hotmess 2 Hotness, LLC, Amber specializes in mindfulness techniques, healthy eating, and conquering your own B.S. and offers a 12 week fat loss program for women.
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