The holidays are here! Time for joy, family, and let’s be real - food. But if you’re committed to a fitness goal, diet goal, or just wanting to find the right balance for yourself, holiday treats might feel like navigating a minefield made of rum balls, chocolate balls, and Christmas pudding.

I have good news though! Celebrating does NOT have to derail your goals or be a total blow out if you don’t want it to be! The beauty of the holiday season is that it’s your choice how you navigate it. Whether you’re taking it easy, sticking to a plan, or want to be a little bit mindful, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy YOUR holiday - just the way that works best for you! Here are a few things to keep in mind:

 

 

I’ve also asked Sabrina, our marketing guru, and Abbey and Dave, our fearless leaders, how they plan to handle their holiday nutrition this year, and here is what they’ve said:

• Sabrina: “I’m a firm believer in balance! I’ll be mindful of what I eat, but I’m also going to treat myself. When I’m old and grey, I’d rather remember the amazing memories I made with friends and family than stress over those extra cookies I ate. My absolute favourite Christmas dish is a sweet potato casserole my Mum makes. It’s so sweet it could honestly pass as dessert! It’s made from sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, all mixed together, with melted marshmallows on top. So good!!”
   
• Abbey: “My goal is to not have extra treats in the house - I’ll imbibe when I’m out and about - but don’t keep them at home where I know I’ll binge eat them in the lead up. Then Christmas Day and Boxing Day, I don’t think about anything but enjoying myself. Two days does not weight gain make! Dave's and my favourite holiday treat is something we call 'Christmas Crack' - a bark made of peanut butter, dates, salty crackers, and melted chocolate.”
   
• Dave: "My plan is to eat what I want for the few days around Christmas, but limit it to just the 3-5 days before going to back to my normal intake. This will also be my first Christmas of not drinking, which makes up for the extra serve of christmas pudding!"
   
• Ash: “I am currently in a ‘massing mindset’, aiming to put on muscle and grow! While I won't go overboard, I plan to stick to my fitness goals, but not sweat the extra nourishment as it will keep me fueled and get me closer to achieving my goals. My favourite Christmas treat is my Mum’s almond bread, similar to a biscotti! She gives me a container every Christmas and it definitely doesn’t last past New Years!"

 

The holidays are a time to celebrate what really matters: connection, joy, and the memories you make with the people around you. When approached with intention, they can enhance your health journey, not hinder it. We hope you enjoy this holiday season in a way that suits you - whatever that may look like.

If you're looking to take the stress out of your Christmas meal planning, the Nourish'd annual Christmas dinner is now live on the menu until December 18! Don't forget about dessert, too ;)