A Dietitian’s Perspective
In Part 1 of this blog series, I shared why healthy eating feels hard during the usual work weeks. The holidays can make it feel even trickier. Keep reading to learn how to enjoy the season without guilt – and if you’re looking for support tailored to your life, I’m here to help.
Holidays Disrupt the Usual
During the holidays, routines loosen:
- Meals happen later or get skipped.
- Social events cluster around food.
- Travel, hosting, and holiday stress piles up.
Even people who generally eat well can feel more tired, bloated, or out of sync – not necessarily because they’re “overindulging,” but because their usual patterns no longer fit the season.
More Food Noise, Less Clarity
Holiday nutrition advice can feel overwhelming. Maybe you’ve heard things like:
- “save your calories,”
- “cut sugar,” or
- “just enjoy everything and deal with it later.”
Many people end up stuck between trying to be “good” and feeling like they’ve completely fallen off. That mental back-and-forth creates far more stress than the food itself.
Anchors: Simple Habits to Keep You Grounded
- Honor Your Hunger – Avoid the “save up for later” trap. Eating regular, smaller meals earlier in the day prevents that ravenous feeling that can lead to overeating at larger gatherings.
- Prioritize the “Power Duo” – Even if your plate looks different than usual, try to include a source of protein and fiber. These two work together to stabilize blood sugar and keep your energy steady.
- Celebrate Without the “Calculations” – Enjoy the foods you love and the moments that matter. Health Canada highlights that eating traditional foods without judgment helps you maintain a healthy attitude toward food. A single meal, or even a few, cannot “ruin” your progress. There is plenty of room for tradition in a healthy lifestyle.
Let Go of “Good” and “Bad” Holiday Foods
Labeling foods as “bad” usually backfires. It increases guilt, heightens cravings, and makes one off-plan meal feel like a failure.
A more supportive approach looks at:
- Patterns across the season, not single meals.
- What feels doable through busy weeks.
Nutrition should support your holidays – not compete with them.
A More Realistic Holiday Goal
Healthy eating doesn’t stop in December – it adapts. When expectations shift to match the season, eating well can feel calmer, more manageable, and far less exhausting.
Struggling with your food choices this month isn’t a sign of ‘failing’ your goals. It’s a sign that your current strategy needs to evolve. We aren’t looking for a ‘reset’ in January; we’re looking for a rhythm that works for the life you’re living right now.
Holidays or Not…
Let’s find a healthy eating rhythm that works for you.
Nourish to Thrive RD 