How to Enjoy the Holidays Without the Guilt
Thanksgiving and the Holidays are a time for family, celebration, & indulgence. Yet, oftentimes, so many of us feel a wave of guilt afterwards?
THE WARM UP
Thanksgiving and the Holidays are a time for family, celebration, and indulgence. Yet, oftentimes, so many of us feel a wave of guilt after enjoying an extra slice of pie or a pint of beer.
But what if we didn’t?
What if we embraced this season without guilt, knowing we can always get back on track?
Life is all about balance, not perfection, and it’s times like these that we need to remind ourselves of this.
THE WORKOUT
Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the holidays guilt-free while keeping things in perspective:
1. Give Yourself Grace
Holiday meals are about more than just food (even though I’m a sucker for a heaping side of mashed potatoes)… they’re about connection and tradition.
One day (or possibly a few) of indulgence won’t derail your progress. Enjoy your time with family and friends, then get right back on track after.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water can help with digestion and keep you going during holiday festivities–especially after a night drinking grandma’s hot toddies.
Start your day with a large glass of water with some electrolytes, or a pinch of salt if you don’t have any, and aim to stay hydrated consistently throughout the day.
3. Prioritize Protein and Veggies
At meals, focus on protein and vegetables first.
They’ll help fill you up and balance your energy levels, leaving room for you to truly enjoy the holiday treats without overdoing it.
4. Get Moving the Day After
A light walk or workout the day after a big meal can help you feel refreshed and reset. But remember, it’s not about “burning off calories”, it’s about feeling good in your body. You shouldn’t feel the need to “punish” yourself for enjoy the holidays. Just get back on track the days after with your normal training routine and nutrition.
Here’s what I did for a post-Thanksgiving workout:
5. Plan Simple Post-Holiday Meals
Prepare for the days after the holidays by having easy, nutrient-dense meals on hand.
Think nutritious and hearty soups, roasted veggies, grain bowls, or smoothies to help you recalibrate without feeling overwhelmed.
ANALYSIS
Personally, I used to feel immense guilt after the holidays, wondering if I’d undone all my progress in just a few days.
But I realized this mentality is never true.
Over time, I’ve realized that one or two “cheat meals” don’t define my overall fitness or health journey. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and the holidays are a time to share love and laughter, not a time to stress over calories or macros.
By focusing on balance and having a plan to bounce back on, I’ve learned to fully enjoy the little things in life, like my mom’s deviled eggs or grandma’s homemade crab rangoons (yes, I’m half Chinese!).
THE COOL DOWN
In the end, the holidays are about connection, joy, and creating memories with loved ones, not about punishment or guilt.
Remember, as cliché as it is, your journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace the season for what it is, and when it’s time to get back into your routine, take it one step at a time.
Be well and Keep Pluggin.
-C
