Keep the Seductions of the Season at Bay

How to make smart food decisions - and stick with them!

Dec 10, 2024

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We’re in the crosshairs of the holiday season.

Like many folks, you may be caught up in the hustle, bustle, and rush to finish shopping, organize meal plans, and schedule family visits. And if you’re in the throes of making last-minute travel arrangements, your stress point has likely spiked to new levels.

Regardless of our best efforts to stay calm, this time of year, we’re typically overwhelmed by the influences and unavoidable obligations diverting our focus.

Annual greeting cards waiting to be addressed, sealed, and stamped beg for attention. Sales advertisements, holiday commercials, and unbelievable special deals derail our schedules and disrupt our routines.

With so much going on — and a dizzying influx of distractions — how can we possibly stay committed to maintaining any sense of a “normal” life, especially the healthy one we’ve worked so hard to keep on track?

Good question.

Unfortunately, it’s much too easy for the holiday season to become an excuse to break our positive stride.

With the onslaught of temptations, we may find ourselves more than willing to put our hard-earned discipline on hold by suspending our most important goals and habits in deference to the pressure of the crowd.

But this isn’t the time to give yourself “temporary permission” to succumb to the chaos.

Stay calm — you can do this …

Here are a few suggestions to stay balanced and healthy, despite the many seductions of the season.

Say “Yes” only to the events and parties you truly want to attend, and “No” to the ones that are obligatory or unnecessary. You don’t have to explain your choices and, if pressed, simply say your calendar is full and you look forward to participating next year.
Keep your healthy food and diet goals intact. I know this is a hard one, and it can be a challenge to “toe the line” every day. But in the long run, it will be worth it. Adopting a few general guidelines will make it easier to maintain a degree of self-control. For example, use a small plate to keep serving sizes reasonable. Choose veggies instead of potatoes and skip the heavy gravies and gluten-filled rolls. Prepare yourself ahead of time to be faced with tempting snacks and foods, then choose to eat healthy food options — and stick with the plan.
Drink more water than wine or cocktails. Alcohol is calorie-laden and it’s best to indulge in moderation. When heading out to a party, bring your own beverage, like green tea and lemon slices or a vitamin-enriched sports drink (preferably one with no added sugar, fructose, or aspartame). Remember to stay hydrated and use a wine glass to create a festive mood.
Find pockets of time to exercise. It’s even more important to make health a priority during the holidays by integrating fitness into your day. Keep a gym bag in your car and use small openings of time to fit in a short workout. Clear a space at home and do a few stretches, lightweight reps, or yoga. You’ll feel better about yourself, and have more energy to keep going!
Maintain a healthy sleep regimen. While your holiday calendar will likely put your schedule through a few twists and turns, making sure you get enough sleep is vital to restoring and revitalizing your body. Reduce or eliminate drama-laced programming, emotionally draining activities, and unnecessary screen time at least an hour before going to bed. Keep your input during this time as minimal as possible and let your mind and body ease naturally into a restful slumber.
Keep in mind it’s okay to be flexible — in moderation — when the situation permits. Just remember to do your best to stay focused on your long-term goals.

Above all, enjoy the holidays!

Find meaning and balance by connecting with family and friends, and cherish the fun, laughter, and new memories you’ll make by approaching the season with a healthy attitude.

In health & happiness,

Jill Reid

Jill Reid is the author of Real Life, Discover Your Personal Truth, Life in Small Doses, and Please God, Make Me A Writer. Her books, videos, and newsletter explore life, relationships, self-improvement, health, and personal success strategies for working through the challenges of everyday life.