Forget 'Getting Healthy After the Holidays'—Start Celebrating with Health in Mind

Every year, I hear the same refrain: “I’ll get healthy after the holidays.” And honestly, I’ve heard it more times than I care to remember. The notion of waiting until after the season to make healthy choices suggests that holiday foods must be unhealthy and that you’re either choosing celebration and indulgence or “dieting” and feeling deprived. But is this mindset really serving us?

If we pause to rethink it, holiday food doesn’t have to be “inherently unhealthy.” In fact, holiday foods can be nourishing, joyful, and just as festive if we shift our mindset. It’s not about depriving yourself but about celebrating with high-quality, wholesome ingredients that make you feel good all the time—not just after a so-called “holiday cleanse.” 

By switching up a few ingredients and focusing on fresh, nutrient-rich foods, we can make holiday feasting both delicious and nutritious. Isn’t it time to start enjoying this season without worrying about “getting back on track” come January?

A Few Changes Make All the Difference

Here’s the key: it’s time to break away from the idea that “good food” and “healthy food” are mutually exclusive. Good food isn’t “bad” for you—it’s food that’s prepared with quality ingredients, flavors, and enjoyment in mind. Truly good food consists of pure, fresh ingredients like meats, eggs, fish, good fats, fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetables. Most of them are found at your local farmers market or food co-op. With these as your foundation, the possibilities are endless, and they don’t involve compromise.

What’s best to avoid? Think about refined sugars, overly processed foods, and foods with long ingredient lists you can’t even pronounce. These aren’t foods that fuel celebration; they’re foods that create cravings, energy crashes, and that inevitable feeling of needing a “reset.” This isn’t a sacrifice but rather a way to actually enjoy food and life more sustainably.

Navigating Holiday Temptations

Yes, alcohol is a part of many holiday traditions, and while it can be enjoyed, it’s best to limit intake and be mindful of carb content. Try pairing it with proteins and healthy fats, which help balance blood sugar levels and prevent insulin spikes. 

The same goes for desserts—craving cookies, chocolate, creamy desserts, or even ice cream? You can have it all with a few simple swaps for low-carb ingredients, and you’ll still enjoy the rich, satisfying flavors. Navigating through Katrin Nürnberger’s low-carb recipe site is worth it!

A New Kind of Holiday Joy

This year, my wish for you is that you never have to say “I’ll get healthy after the holidays” again. Let’s make each celebration one that doesn’t set us back but instead brings us forward—toward better health, satisfaction, and joy. Let’s celebrate with foods that nourish and make it a season to truly feel good.

May you enjoy holiday treats with health in mind, today and all year long.

With all this, what’s your #1 question or concern about making healthier choices during the holidays? Let’s talk about how to make this season both joyful and nourishing!