Top 5 Tips for Staying on Track During the Holidays

I regretted it instantly. The fork was already on the tip of my tongue, but I allowed the moment to pass me by, and my thoughts of regret for having a second plate of chocolate cake remained unspoken. Do you know that kind of feeling? I sure do. I've experienced it more often than I care to admit during this time of the year, you know, the holiday season, but the good news is I've learned a LOT because of it.

Enjoying the holidays and staying healthy

The holidays are coming, and you may find yourself pushing your health goals aside. But don't worry, I got you! You can still eat healthily and enjoy the holidays while spending quality time with friends, family members, or even that special someone.

The biggest lesson I learned

Here's the biggest lesson I learned from moments of regret: you can't turn back time (thanks for the gentle reminder, Cher) but due to this missed opportunity, you're better prepared for when the next one presents itself. Long story short, don't allow these moments to define you, friend.

This journey of managing diabetes isn't traveled in a straight line. There are twists and turns along the way. If you make a wrong turn or decide to go another way, that's okay. Here are five tips I've learned that help me stay on track during the holidays.

Five tips to help you stay on track

1. Make a plan

Decide what you want to accomplish during the holiday season and create a plan of action. Whether your goal is to stick to your healthy eating plan or reduce the caloric intake in your daily meals to make room for those sweet indulgences, having a plan will help you stay on track.

2. Stay active

There's no need to overhaul your lifestyle completely, but try to find ways to stay active throughout the holiday season. Take a walk after dinner, go for a light jog or take the stairs instead of the elevator.

3. Be mindful of your food choices

It's easy to overindulge during the holiday season, but try to be aware of your food choices. Choose healthy foods whenever possible and avoid processed foods and sugary drinks.

4. Moderation is key

Don't deprive yourself of your favorite holiday treats; remember that moderation is key. This boils down to intentional eating. Enjoying a small portion of your favorite dish and maybe saving the rest for later is a great way to eat intentionally.

This is the time of the year where you can be creative with your intentionality! Try new recipes, try different ingredients, explore smaller portion sizes and learn to love your healthy side while staying in the holiday spirit.

5. Only participate in the events you want to go to

Don't let yourself get overwhelmed by all the events happening around town - choose one event each week to attend, then take it easy if need be! Remember that the holidays are meant to be enjoyed, so don't worry if you slip up along the way. As long as you stay positive and make an effort, you'll be happy with the results.

Have a blissful holiday

So there you have it! Now that we've covered what you need to know about staying healthy this holiday season make sure to use and revisit the resources listed in this blog post.

What are your favorite tips? Let us know in the comments section below or share in our community forum with any questions or concerns. We hope everyone has a happy and healthy holiday!