How to Balance Healthy Habits and Holiday Fun
"Flexibility makes buildings to be stronger, imagine what it can do to your soul." — Carlos Barrios
If you want to enjoy your favorite holiday treats without doing too much damage to your health or progress,
But you’re worried that tomorrow’s Thanksgiving feast might set off a spiral of overeating and unhealthy choices for the rest of the year…
What you need to do is "adjust the dial" on your healthy habits instead of falling into the all-or-nothing trap.
Let me explain...
Many women think the holidays are an “either/or” scenario.
Either I stick perfectly to my healthy habits, Or I just throw in the towel and start fresh in January.
But thinking this way is like deciding to slash ALL your tires because you got ONE flat.
It’s dramatic, unnecessary...and it makes it MUCH harder to move forward.
And continuing to think this way will keep you stuck in a yo-yo pattern, bouncing between overly restrictive diets and then periods of complete indulgence.
This approach doesn’t just hurt your progress, it’s frustrating and exhausting.
So, instead of feeling like you have to do everything perfectly or not at all,
🎛️ Try adjusting the dial on your habits.
"Adjusting the dial" on your habits means fine-tuning your behaviors to match your current circumstances.
It's about reducing the intensity of a habit without abandoning it entirely.
Imagine your healthy habits as a volume knob on a stereo.
When life gets busy or during special occasions like the holidays, you don't have to turn the volume off completely.
Instead, you can lower it to a level that still allows you to enjoy the music without overwhelming other aspects of your life. This way, you maintain a connection to your healthy routines, even if they're not at full blast.
In the live masterclass I taught last week, we focused on four behavior buckets to "adjust the dial" on over the holidays: Nutrition, Movement, Sleep, and Stress Management.
These buckets are the foundation to balancing your health goals with the fun of the holiday season.
Here are simple ways to adjust the dial for each one:
1) Nutrition
Enjoy your favorite holiday dishes, but start with a smaller portion, knowing you can always go back for seconds if you’re still hungry.
Prioritize protein and vegetables on your plate to help you feel full and satisfied.
2) Movement
If your regular workout feels unrealistic, aim for 10-15 minutes of something active, like a quick stretch session, a dance break, or a simple bodyweight circuit.
Invite family or friends to join you in an active holiday tradition, like a friendly game of football or a group walk after dinner.
3) Sleep
Late nights are common during the holidays, but try to stick to a consistent bedtime whenever you aren't out for a social event.
Aim for at least 6-7 hours of sleep, and if you can’t always manage that, give yourself grace and prioritize hitting that target as often as you can.
4) Stress Management
Feeling overwhelmed before a family get together? Take 5-10 minutes to breathe, journal, or do something calming beforehand.
Say “no” to obligations that feel draining, and focus on what brings you joy.
So, if you’re tired of the cycle of overeating during the holidays and starting over every January,And you want to feel confident, balanced, and in control of your habits this season,
Try these simple strategies to help you “adjust the dial” on your healthy habits over the holidays:
Balance your plate with protein and veggies while still enjoying your favorite holiday foods.
Find movement that feels good, even if it’s just a short walk or a quick stretch.
Prioritize sleep and rest as much as you can.
Manage stress with small moments of calm and setting boundaries.
And remember: small steps add up to big results.It’s not about doing everything perfectly—it’s about doing something consistently.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!
P.S.
If you weren’t able to attend last week's masterclass but want to check out the recording, send me an email with "REPLAY", and I’ll forward you the link!
