Progress Over Perfection: A Healthier Way to Navigate the Holidays
Let’s be honest — the holiday season is busy.
Between events, travel, kids’ schedules, family gatherings, desserts everywhere, and routines completely changing… it’s easy to feel like staying “on track” is impossible.
But here’s the truth most people won’t tell you:
👉 Staying on track during the holidays does NOT mean being perfect.
👉 It means staying connected to your body — even when life gets chaotic.
If you go into the holidays expecting to eat perfectly, train perfectly, and feel perfectly motivated… you’re setting yourself up to feel behind before January even hits.
Instead, let’s talk about what actually works.
First: Redefine What “On Track” Means
During the holidays, “on track” looks different — and that’s okay.
It might mean:
Eating enough even when meals are irregular
Prioritizing protein more often than not
Moving your body consistently, not intensely
Sleeping when you can (not perfectly)
Supporting your stress instead of pushing through it
This season is about maintenance, not transformation.
And maintenance is powerful.
Focus on These 5 Anchors During the Holidays
1️⃣ Prioritize Protein (Without Overthinking It)
Protein is your anchor nutrient.
It helps:
Stabilize blood sugar
Reduce cravings
Support energy
Prevent extreme hunger later in the day
You don’t need fancy meals — just aim to include protein most times you eat:
Eggs or Greek yogurt at breakfast
Turkey, chicken, beef, or fish at meals
Protein shakes or bars when schedules are tight
One solid protein choice can completely change how the rest of the day feels.
2️⃣ Don’t Skip Meals to “Save Calories”
This is one of the biggest holiday mistakes.
Skipping meals leads to:
Blood sugar crashes
Increased cortisol
Overeating later
Feeling out of control around food
Eating consistently keeps your body calm — and a calm body makes better decisions.
Even a small meal or snack is better than nothing.
3️⃣ Choose Movement That Supports Your Nervous System
The holidays are already stressful — your workouts don’t need to add to that.
This is a season where:
Walking counts
Strength training can be shorter
Mobility and recovery matter more
“Something” beats “nothing”
Movement should leave you feeling better, not depleted.
Especially if you’re already running on fumes.
4️⃣ Protect Your Sleep As Much As You Can
Sleep doesn’t have to be perfect — but it does need attention.
Simple supports that help:
Consistent bedtime routines
Limiting caffeine late in the day
Getting morning light when possible
Wind-down habits at night
Sleep is one of the biggest regulators of hunger, energy, mood, and cortisol — especially during high-stress seasons.
5️⃣ Remember: Stress Matters More Than Food Right Now
For many women, the holidays aren’t just busy — they’re emotionally heavy.
Stress alone can:
Increase inflammation
Worsen cravings
Disrupt digestion
Impact cortisol and hormones
So instead of asking:
❌ “Am I being disciplined enough?”
Ask:
✅ “What would support my body right now?”
Sometimes that’s a workout.
Sometimes that’s rest.
Sometimes that’s nourishment.
Sometimes that’s boundaries.
All of it counts.
What Staying on Track Really Looks Like
Staying on track during the holidays means:
✔️ You don’t spiral after one off-plan meal
✔️ You don’t punish your body for enjoying food
✔️ You don’t wait until January to take care of yourself
✔️ You stay connected — not rigid
Because the goal isn’t to survive the holidays and “fix everything later.”
The goal is to move through this season feeling steady, supported, and confident.
If the Holidays Always Knock You Off Track…
That’s not a discipline problem.
That’s a stress + hormone + support problem.
And it’s exactly why I work with women to:
Stabilize cortisol
Support blood sugar
Create plans that actually fit real life
You don’t need another reset because you “messed up.”
You need a plan that holds you up — even when life gets busy.
You’re Allowed to Enjoy the Holidays AND Take Care of Yourself
Both can exist.
Progress doesn’t pause because it’s December.
Your body still deserves support — maybe now more than ever.
If you want help staying grounded through this season and starting the new year from a place of clarity (not burnout), I’d love to support you.
✨ You don’t need perfection — you need consistency that feels sustainable.
And you’re more capable of that than you think.
