5 Tips for a Healthier Holiday Season!

November 5, 2024

Written By: Mairead, Registered Dietitian


The holidays are almost here! For some, your celebrations may already be in full swing. 

For many people with health and fitness goals, holiday celebrations can be a struggle because of all the fun foods and treats that are available. It can hard to know how to balance things, so many people end up either over-indulging or over-restricting - neither of which will feel good or help with your goals in the long-run. 


To help you figure out what balance could look like for you this holiday season, check out these tips!


Eat consistently

Have you ever tried to eat as little as possible during the day leading up to a big meal? Often when this happens we end up over-eating, but not actually being able to enjoy the foods because we're just so hungry.


Instead, try to eat consistently, both on days when there is a special meal or event and on the days in between. Aim for your normal balanced meals, including good sources of protein and some vegetables or fruit.


This will help keep hunger levels more regular and prevent over-eating. The goal is to come to a meal pleasantly hungry and ready to enjoy it!

Watch the alcohol

The drinks are often flowing during the holiday season! Excess alcohol intake can easily add up in calories and sugar, depending on your drink of choice. It can also lead to dehydration, and make it harder to recover from your workouts.


To help drink more moderately, try adding a glass of water between alcoholic drinks, choosing lower-sugar options and avoiding drinking on an empty stomach.

Stay hydrated

Between all the seasonal fun drinks (see above!) and being out of your normal routines, it can hard to get your water in.


Staying hydrated will help keep your digestive system moving well (key if you're having rich foods!), make workouts easier, and just keep you feeling better overall.


Try keeping a glass or bottle of water nearby to remind yourself to drink. You could also make sure to have a full glass before any alcoholic or caffeinated drinks.

Move your body when you can

Depending on when your celebrations are, your normal workout habits might not work during the holidays.


Staying active will help normalize hunger levels around special meals, will help with digestion, and help you sleep well. If you can't make it to the gym, try doing short home workouts, going for a walk or hike, or hitting up a public skating time. Even tobogganing can be a workout when you need to climb up the hill!

Enjoy your favourite foods in satisfying amounts

The more we restrict certain foods, often the more we end up thinking about them and wanting them.


Suffering through this cycle will either end with you feeling deprived or "giving in" and feeling guilty. Instead, give yourself permission to enjoy your favourite seasonal foods in satisfying amounts. In this case, satisfying means amounts that leave you feeling like you had enough, but not like you've overdone it - and this will look different for everyone!




Balance is possible during the holiday season - it just may take a few tweaks and mindset shifts to get there!



Looking for more personalized nutrition advice? Let's chat!

Email mairead@degreefitnessseaforth.com or click HERE for more information about our Nutrition Programs!

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