Tops Tips for Handling Holiday Indulgences...Like PRO!

Oh do I  UNDERSTAND!!!! The parties, the fun outings, the events that are quite continuous throughout the holidays...from October through the New Year...they can be so often that we feel we are loosing all ground in our health & wellness efforts. But, when you are committed to a LIFESTYLE of healthy habits, MOST of the time, you never truly have to feel like you have fallen off the wagon. You CAN enjoy the holidays without guilt such as: pick your favorite indulgences, eat regular protein-rich meals, hydrate, and skip the all-or-nothing mindset. Savor what you love, leave what you don’t, and get right back to your routine at the next meal. Balance beats perfection every time. Here is how! 

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I tell my clients, look at the list of things you CAN do, you don’t have to choose all. Decide what will work for you, and start practicing. We will never get better if we don’t practice! After you see the list, I’d love for you to reach back out to me and tell me what you will put in to practice! 

How to Handle Holiday Indulgences

1. Go In With a Plan (Not Perfection)
Decide your non-negotiables:
    •    A favorite dessert?
    •    A special family recipe?
Choose the 1–2 things that matter most and enjoy them mindfully. Skip the things you don’t truly love OR the things that you can literally get ANY time at the store like candy, cookies etc. 

2. Eat Regular Meals—Don’t “Save Up”
Skipping meals backfires.
You’re more likely to overeat later.
Have a protein-rich meal before parties (shake, chicken, yogurt, etc.).
A steady blood sugar = better choices + fewer cravings.

3. Use the “Plate Method Lite”
Even at buffets or events:
    •    ½ plate protein + veggies
    •    ¼ plate carbs
    •    ¼ plate indulgence
This keeps things balanced without feeling restricted.

4. Practice the 3-Bite Rule for Treats
Often the first 3 bites give the most satisfaction. THINK about the food and how it feels in your mouth, body etc. Do you want more? Do you like it? Are you having it out of habit? Are you enjoying it? 
If you want more—go for it. If not, you can stop without guilt.

5. Hydrate Before You Celebrate
Dehydration mimics hunger.
Drink a full glass of water before eating and aim for 60–80 oz per day during busy weeks. This is becoming my new favorite way to hydrate + add to our wellness routines using natural peptides. Its called the Muscle and Metabolic bundle. 

6. Move Your Body—But Don’t “Earn” Your Food
Take a walk after meals, stretch, or keep up your workouts. Movement is a supportive habit, not punishment.

7. Ditch the All-or-Nothing Mindset
One indulgent meal isn’t the problem--
a “screw it, I already messed up” week is. Get right back to your normal routine at the next meal.

8. Use the “Holiday Sandwich Strategy”
Make sure the meals before and after a big event are nutrient-dense and high in protein. This helps offset the indulgence without extreme measures.

9. Honor Your Hunger & Fullness
Pause halfway through a meal and check in:
    •    Am I still hungry?
    •    Am I eating because it’s habit, social pressure, or true hunger?

10. Practice Self-Compassion
You’re human. Holidays are meant for joy, connection, and yes--good food.
A balanced lifestyle includes flexibility.

With Love & Strength, Missy