Healthy Holiday Tips: Stay Energized, Balanced, and Relaxed This Season

Healthy Holiday Tips

The holidays are a time for celebration, family, friends, and food. But let’s be honest – it can also be a challenging season for staying on track with your healthy habits. With more parties, richer meals, and extra drinks, it’s tempting to say, “I’ll just start fresh in January.”

And while January is a great time to set new health goals (it's a motivating time of year, similar to an upcoming wedding, milestone birthday, or vacation), the goal isn’t short-term healthy living. It’s about creating habits that last a lifetime, and that life includes the holiday season.

So, instead of waiting until January, ask yourself: How do I want to feel over the holidays? Sluggish, bloated, and tired? Or energized, balanced, and relaxed? Here are some practical tips to help you stay on track while still enjoying the festivities.

Healthy Holiday Tips

1. Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail

• Plan your drinks: Decide ahead of time how many alcoholic beverages you’ll have (aim for 2-3 maximum). Stick to one drink per hour and always have a flat or sparkling water in between.

• Plan your food: Check the menu or ask the host about options. Aim to fill half your plate with vegetables and fruits, include a source of protein, and limit cheese, deep-fried foods, and white carbs.
  

2. Bring Your Healthy Go-Tos

Visiting family or friends? Pack your favorite healthy options:

• Homemade chia pudding

• Protein bars

• Big water bottle

• Tea or non-alcoholic beverages (I love Cove's Cranmerry holiday mixer pack!)

• Healthy snacks like popcorn, nuts or olives

• Outdoor running or walking gear

• Weighted vest
  

3. Keep Up Your Daily Habits

• Take your supplements daily - I love Berberine and NAC to keep blood sugar stable and for liver support.

• Move your body every day – whether it’s a workout, yoga, Pilates, or a brisk walk. This will keep you health goals on track, boost mood and energy.

• Consistency is key - but that doesn't mean being perfect. If you normally do a 45-minute workout but can only fit in 20 minutes over the holidays, that's ok. Maintaining healthy habits is all about consistency and adaptability, not perfection. Don't skip the workout, but be willing to adapt the length of time or intensity if necessary.
  

4. Manage Holiday Stress

The holidays can be overwhelming. Protect your energy with 20–30 minutes of “you time” or fun activities daily:

• Brisk walk while listening to Christmas music

• Stretching or yoga

• Meditation or reading

• A relaxing bath

• Do a puzzle

• Watching a holiday movie or playing games with your kids
  

5. Make Healthy Versions of Holiday Favorites

Indulge without guilt by tweaking classics:

• Dairy-free nacho dip

• Cauliflower stuffing

• Yogurt dill veggie dip

• Healthy sweet treat (recipe for my Fig, Seed Protein bars below!)
  

6. Additional Tips to Keep in Mind

• Mindful eating: Savor each bite, eat slowly, and check in with hunger cues.

• Smaller portions: Use a smaller plate to naturally reduce overeating.

• Sleep: Prioritize rest – it supports energy, mood, and appetite regulation.

• Stay consistent, not perfect: One indulgent meal won’t undo your efforts; it’s the overall pattern that matters.

The mindset is key: You don’t need to wait until January to start feeling good. You can enjoy the holidays while still taking care of your body. Focus on how you want to feel – energized, balanced, and glowing – and let that guide your choices.

Gluten-Free Fig, Seed & Protein Bars

Yield: 20 small bars Prep time: 15 minutes No-bake | Gluten-free | Refined sugar–light

Ingredients

Wet

• 1 cup dried figs, stems removed, chopped

• 1/4 cup almond butter

• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

• 1 tsp coconut oil (for chocolate drizzle)

Dry

• 1/2 cup almond flour

• 1/4 cup coconut flour

• 3/4 cup LeanFit Vanilla Protein Powder

• 2 tbsp hemp seeds

• 2 tbsp flax seeds (ground or whole)

• 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

• 2 tbsp. monkfruit sweetener (optional)

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of salt

Optional topping

• 3 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips, melted with the 1 tsp coconut oil

Method

1. Soften figs: Soak chopped figs in warm water for 5–10 minutes. Drain well. Pulse briefly in a food processor or using an immersion hand blender for a smoother, more cohesive bar.
   

2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together almond butter and melted coconut oil until smooth. Fold in the figs.
   

3. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, protein powder, hemp seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, monkfruit, cinnamon, and salt.
   

4. Combine: Add dry ingredients to wet and mix thoroughly until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms.

   • If too dry: add 1–2 tsp water or almond milk

   • If too wet: add 1 tbsp almond flour
     

5. Press & drizzle: Firmly press mixture into a parchment-lined pan (8×8 works well). Melt chocolate chips with 1 tsp coconut oil and drizzle over top.
   

6. Chill & slice: Freeze for 1–2 hours until set. Cut into 20 small bars.
   

7. Store: Keep refrigerated up to 7 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition (Per Bar — 1 of 20)

Approximate Macros

• Calories: ~125 kcal

• Protein: ~6 g

• Fat: ~7 g

• Carbohydrates: ~8–9 g

• Fiber: ~2.5 g

• Sugar: ~5 g
  

Nutrition Notes

• Protein + fat + fiber help buffer the natural sugars from figs

• Excellent blood-sugar–supportive snack

• Works well:

  • pre-workout

  • post-workout with fruit or yogurt

  • mid-afternoon energy without a crash