“I’ll Get Back On Track in January” — famous last words every December!
Let’s talk about the most dangerous phrase of the holiday season because, let’s be honest—December is here and it’s pure chaos!
You’re wrapping gifts, closing out work projects, running from party to party, keeping the kids entertained, and your kitchen looks like the North Pole exploded.
Healthy eating? Yeah… that’s just not in the cards right now.
You’ll get back on track come January!
But you know the deal—waiting for January to “start fresh” just makes December harder on your energy, your sleep, your mood, and your health.
(All of which impacts how much or how little you’re able to actually enjoy the holiday season.)
So instead of throwing in the towel, I’m here to help you make eating healthy easy—like, 10-minutes-a-day easy.
You don’t need perfection, a full kitchen, or endless free time, either. You just need a few simple strategies you can actually stick to.
Here are my five foolproof tips to keep you fueled and feeling human through December!
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#1. “Snack Insurance” Is Your New Best Friend:
Always have a back-up plan — because between errands, travel, and office parties, you’re going to get hungry when options aren’t great.
Keep healthy grab-and-go options in your handbag or car. Think anything compact and/or easy to store in a small Ziplock:
- Protein Snacks: single-serving packs of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, protein bars, protein shakes, beef jerky, and rolled lunch meat.
- Chopped Veggies: peppers, baby carrots, mini cucumbers, and celery.
- Smart Carbs: fruit with peel for easy on-the-go eating — bananas, apples, oranges, and pears.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: almonds, cashews, pistachios, and walnuts.
• Add side salad or steamed veggies to balance richer meals.
• Choose leaner proteins at parties (turkey slices, shrimp cocktail, chicken skewers).
• Grab fruit instead of a second dessert when you want something sweet.
• Use smaller plates at parties to control portions.
• Fill half your plate with protein and veggies before adding heavier foods.
• Drink water between cocktails to hydrate and pace yourself. It’s not about restriction — it’s about staying in control while still enjoying the good stuff that only comes but once per year!
#3. Cook Once, Eat Twice: If cooking feels impossible right now, try this: double whatever you’re already making so you have readily available options to build meals throughout the week—saving time, stress and energy. Examples:
• Roast extra chicken and use leftovers for salads, wraps or quick stir-fries.• Cook a double batch of rice, quinoa, pasta, or potatoes to repurpose into lunches and quick sides.
• Make extra roasted veggies and toss them into tomorrow’s eggs, grain bowls, or soups.
• Brown extra ground turkey or beef and reuse for tacos, chili, or salad.
• Double your soup or chili recipe and freeze portions for hectic days.
• Chop twice the amount of veggies so you prep once but eat all week.
4. Master the “Party Plate”: Holiday parties aren’t the problem — winging it is! Here’s a simple hack: When faced with a buffet or dinner spread, think 3-2-1.
- 3: One Protein + two veggies first (this keeps you full and satisfied)
- 2: Choose two things you really want (the stuffing, Grandma’s cookies — go for it!)
- 1: One drink or dessert — enjoy it, then call it good.
You’ll still get to taste everything you love without waking up in a food coma.
5. Give Yourself Grace (and a Plan): You’re human. You’ll have the extra cookie, the late night, the skipped meal and that’s okay! But here’s your move:
Don’t quit — pivot. Do the next right thing: drink some water, move your body, get back to balanced meals, and keep rolling!