Navigating a Holiday

Joan Pacetti

31 Mar 2026 — 1 min read

Number one rule is to enjoy your time with family and friends.

That being said, planning ahead can help you navigate holidays while staying aligned with your health & wellness goals. The best approach is to go in with some simple guidelines, just like you would for a night out or a special occasion. Having a plan helps you feel in control and walk away from the day feeling successful.

This is personal preference, but I don’t recommend trying to “healthify” traditional holiday foods unless you genuinely enjoy those versions. One meal isn’t what slows progress. What tends to derail people is letting that one meal turn into several days of being off track.

Avoid the mindset of “I’ll start again Monday.” There’s no need to skip your next meal either, even if the holiday meal was higher in calories. The goal isn’t to overindulge and then restrict later. That cycle often leads to habits that don’t support your long-term goals.

Instead, be intentional with how you approach the day. A few simple guidelines:

Choose between appetizers or desserts
Avoid grazing—build your plate, sit down, and enjoy your meal
Eat slowly
Be present—focus on the people you’re with and enjoy the experience

When you approach these meals with intention, you’ll likely enjoy them more. Remember, these meals make up a very small percentage of what you eat overall. They are not what holds you back. Enjoy them, enjoy your company, and then simply return to your routine at your next meal.

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