The holidays can be busy, joyful, stressful, and full of food – all at once!
If you tend to stress eat or get thrown off your routine this time of year, you’re not alone. Keep reading for simple, mindful “holiday hacks” that can help you enjoy the season, feel grounded in your body, and navigate food with more ease.
Holiday Rhythm Hacks
Keep things steady and simple to help reduce overeating.
- Eat near your usual times to keep your energy and blood sugar steady.
- Heading to a party? Bring along a nourishing dish so there’s something you know you’ll enjoy.
- Think ahead about your carb choices: if you want dessert, you might choose smaller portions of starchy sides like potatoes, bread, or pasta dishes.
- Don’t skip meals to “save up” for a feast. Arriving very hungry often leads to overeating.
- If you choose to drink alcohol, avoid sugary mixers.
Holiday Plate Hack
A simple way to build a balanced, nourishing plate without feeling deprived.
- ½ plate: non-starchy veg (greens, broccoli, peppers, carrots, mushrooms) → helps you feel satisfied without heaviness.
- ¼ plate: protein (turkey, fish, tofu, eggs, beans) → helps keep you fuller for longer.
- ¼ plate: carbs (including starchy veg like potatoes, sweet potatoes, peas, corn, squash, plus whole grains and fruit) → gives you steady energy.
- Hydration hack: sip water or a zero-calorie drinks to keep your mood and energy brighter
This makes choices easier – especially at buffets or big family meals.
Slow Down & Savor Hack
Before, during, and after your meal.
Holiday foods often have memories and meaning. Slowing down helps you enjoy them fully and notice when you feel content.
Try:
- Noticing aromas and colours
- Paying attention to flavour and texture
- Resting your hand or placing utensils down between bites
- Sipping water between mouthfuls
- Pausing halfway through to check in with how full you feel
- Giving yourself time before deciding on seconds – your brain needs about 20 minutes to recognise fullness
Slower eating = more enjoyment and clearer signals from your body.
Enjoy What You Truly Love Hack
There’s room for favorite treats – simply choose and eat them mindfully.
Focus on what matters most to you, savor quality over quantity. Choosing the things you really enjoy (instead of everything available) helps you join in while reducing that “over-full” feeling later.
Tricky Moments Hack
A tiny bit of planning goes a long way.
Ask yourself:
- What events are coming up?
- What foods mean the most to me?
- What usually feels challenging this time of year?
Then add a couple of gentle “if/then” supports:
- If I arrive hungry, then I’ll start with veg + protein.
- If I’m offered seconds, then I’ll pause to check in first.
- If I feel stressed, then I’ll step outside or take a few calming breaths.
These small choices help you feel steady and grounded.
Making Movement Fun Hack
Short bursts of movement help with digestion, mood, stress, energy, and steadier blood sugar, plus they’re way more fun when shared! These are great ways to connect and enjoy fun times with loved ones:
- A family walk after a meal
- Dancing to favorite tunes
- Playing games with children or pets
- Singing and dancing together
- Moving in whatever way feels light and joyful
It all adds up.
Holiday Stress Hacks
Busy days, socialising, and travel can affect how you feel. Try small supports to help steady you:
- A calming wind-down routine
- A few minutes of fresh air
- A short breathing or grounding break
- Drinking water regularly
- Taking rest and going to bed when you are tired instead of staying up too late
These gentle steps reduce stress-driven eating and help your body feel more settled.
The Ultimate Holiday Hack
Remember what the season is really about.
Connection. Laughter. Reflection. Togetherness.
Moments of shared meaning and rest nourish us far more deeply than any single meal.
When you focus on the people, the moments, and the memories, food becomes a delightful part of the celebration, not the center of it.
Enjoy the season, savor the moments, and be kind to yourself. Happy holidays!
