Your No-Guilt Guide to Holiday Eating

The holidays are a wonderful time of year full of celebrations and gatherings centered around delicious food. For many people, this abundance of tasty foods can lead to stress or overwhelm. This guide to holiday eating includes 8 dietitian-approved tips for approaching holiday meals to help reduce stress and feelings of guilt.

The No-Guilt Guide to Holiday Eating

1. Say Yes to Foods That Sound Good

You have permission to eat foods that sound good to you. No single food or meal is going to derail your progress in the grand scheme of things. Eat mindfully to fully enjoy your favorite holiday foods.

2. Say No to Foods That Don’t

You also have permission to not eat foods that you dislike or don’t sit well with you. Family pressure is real but you get to make your own choices.

3. Don’t Save Up for Big Meals

Restricting food and skipping meals earlier in the day often leads to overeating or a loss of control at meal time – because you let yourself get way too hungry. Eat three meals a day regardless of what you have planned later.

4. Listen to Your Hunger Cues

Eat when you’re hungry. Snack between meals if you need to. Stop eating when you’re comfortably full. Remember, it can take a few minutes for our bodies to tell our brains that we’re full.

5. Front Load Your Micronutrients

Holiday meals are delicious, but they might not always have the most micronutrients or fiber. Front-load your day with fruits and veggies so you can still feel good and keep your digestion on point.

6. High Fiber Breakfast Ideas

Here are some practical breakfast ideas that you can try to front-load your mornings with fiber and micronutrients:

• Smoothie with greek yogurt, berries, spinach, chia seeds, and almond butter
• Scrambled eggs with cheese, spinach, mushrooms and a side of fruit
• Oatmeal with walnuts and banana slices
• Chia seed pudding with granola and fruit
• Whole wheat toast with avocado and poached eggs

7. Find Movement That Feels Good

Moving your body can help with digestion, mood, and energy levels during this season. Find movement that leaves you feeling energized, not drained.

8. Don’t Beat Yourself Up

The holidays can be a tough time. Give yourself grace and allow yourself to rest if you need it.

I hope these 8 tips are useful to help you navigate holiday parties and gatherings. Let me know if you have a favorite tip or something else that helps you during this time!