Savor the Season: Enjoying Holiday Treats Without the Guilt

As the holidays approach, you might be thinking about festive parties, extra treats at work, or big holiday dinners with friends and family. Maybe you’re traveling and worried about being out of your routine. Or perhaps your Instagram feed is filled with advice on how to avoid holiday weight gain, leaving you feeling stressed.

I’ve always loved the holidays, but I remember how much I used to dread these parts. I wanted to indulge but found myself judging every choice and fearing the consequences. Over time, I’ve learned how to balance indulgences with my health goals, and the peace that came with it has been life-changing.

The funny thing is, we often stress so much about indulging that we don’t actually enjoy the experience. And as you know, stress raises cortisol levels, which can spike blood sugar. If you’re enjoying a sweet treat, this stress can create a double whammy on your blood sugar—talk about counterproductive!

Here’s the truth: one big meal, one treat at the office, or one dessert is not going to derail your health. What’s more important is approaching these special moments with mindfulness and presence so you can truly enjoy them. Food can be healing, and savoring meals during the holidays can do wonders for your mental and emotional well-being.

Why Restriction Backfires

We often want what we can’t have. Have you noticed that when you ban sweets from your house, you tend to overdo it when you finally indulge? The same goes for the holidays. Restricting yourself from enjoying the food you love can lead to overindulgence later.

When I started trusting myself to have treats around, they lasted much longer. I no longer felt the urgency to eat them all at once because I wasn’t anxious about when I’d allow myself to enjoy them again. Giving yourself permission to enjoy holiday treats can help you feel more balanced and in control.

Reframing Your Approach to Holiday Eating

Here are three ways to shift your mindset and reduce stress around food:

Food as Nourishment and Joy

Food is fuel, but it’s also about connection, culture, and celebration. Allow yourself to embrace both.

Ditch the All-or-Nothing Mentality

Enjoyed a cookie with your morning coffee? That’s okay! Don’t tell yourself you’ve “blown it” and might as well indulge all day. Instead, tune into how you feel and what your body needs.

Listen to Your Body

Savor your food and eat slowly, paying attention to the flavors and the people who prepared it. This allows your body time to tell you when it’s full, helping you avoid overeating while still enjoying every bite.

Tips for Indulging While Supporting Your Health

Indulging during the holidays doesn’t have to come at the expense of your health. With a few simple strategies, you can enjoy your favorite treats while keeping your body balanced and feeling good. Here’s how to savor the season and support your well-being at the same time:

Start with a Balanced Breakfast

Include protein, fat, and fiber to stabilize blood sugar and set the tone for the day. This will help prevent cravings later.

Move After Big Meals

A 10-minute walk or even dancing to holiday music can help your muscles absorb glucose, keeping blood sugar stable.

Drink Vinegar Before Meals

Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar in water before meals to reduce blood sugar spikes.

Avoid Eating Right Before Bed

Aim to stop eating at least 2 hours before bedtime to support better sleep. Poor sleep can disrupt blood sugar levels the next day.

Limit Alcohol

Especially in the second half of your cycle, alcohol can worsen hormonal imbalances. Enjoy in moderation and stay mindful.

Navigating Diet and Weight Talk

You’ve probably heard it before: someone at the table comments about “earning” their dessert or needing to “work off” the meal tomorrow. These comments help no one. If this kind of talk makes you uncomfortable, feel free to set a boundary or redirect the conversation.

For example:

"Isn’t this pie delicious? I’m so grateful for the person who made it!"

"The food is beautiful this year! What’s your favorite dish?"

By protecting your peace, you’re not only helping yourself but also creating a more positive environment for others.

The Bottom Line

Don’t let food stress you out during the holidays. Stick to the basics, listen to your body, and allow yourself to indulge when you truly want to. Balanced, guilt-free eating is part of a sustainable approach to health.

Most importantly, embrace the joy of the season—and have a slice for me! 🎄🍰