How to Enjoy the Holidays Without Feeling Guilty About Food (3 Simple Strategies to Stay Healthy Without Restriction)

Holidays Should Be About Joy, Not Guilt

The holidays are supposed to feel magical, aren’t they? A time to connect with family, share traditions, and soak in the moments that matter most. But if you’re like me, there’s often this little voice in the back of your mind whispering, “Are you really going to eat that?”

And let’s be honest—that voice tends to shout the loudest when you’re surrounded by trays of cookies, buttery casseroles, and well-meaning relatives insisting you take seconds. What should feel joyful suddenly becomes overwhelming, doesn’t it? You’re stuck in this tug-of-war between wanting to enjoy the season and fearing you’ll “undo” everything you’ve worked so hard for.

But here’s the truth no one tells you: staying healthy during the holidays doesn’t have to mean restriction. You don’t have to avoid the dessert table or pass on every indulgence to feel good. It’s not about what you’re saying no to—it’s about what you’re saying yes to.

And today, I want to show you how. These three strategies are simple, doable, and designed to help you focus on adding what your body needs instead of obsessing over what to cut out. Let’s start with the one rule that’s completely changed the way I approach food—not just during the holidays, but all year round.

The 80/20 Rule (Your Permission to Let Go of Guilt)

Can I tell you something I wish I had learned years ago? Food isn’t the enemy, and it never was. For so long, I believed that staying healthy during the holidays meant forcing myself to ignore the dessert table, skip the mashed potatoes, and pile my plate with salad while pretending I didn’t want the bread rolls. You’ve been there, haven’t you?

And I don’t have to tell you that this all-or-nothing mindset? It’s exhausting. You end up feeling torn, stretched thin, and stuck in a cycle of guilt that leaves you dreading the very moments you’re supposed to savor. That’s no way to live, right?

You already know what works instead: balance.

That’s where the 80/20 rule comes in. It’s simple, really. Focus on nourishing your body with whole, nutrient-dense foods 80% of the time, and give yourself permission to truly enjoy the other 20%—without guilt or shame. Think of it as your ticket to freedom—the freedom to eat that slice of pie or sip that holiday cocktail while staying grounded.

As you now recognize, one meal isn’t going to derail your health. It’s not the occasional indulgence that hurts you; it’s the stress, guilt, and punishing mindset we attach to it. Doesn’t that sound familiar?

Here’s how this looks in action at a holiday meal:

• Fill most of your plate (the 80%) with foods that make your body feel vibrant—like tender roasted turkey, crisp green beans sautéed to perfection, or that beautiful, colorful salad your aunt always brings.
• Then, leave room for the other 20%. Is it the buttery stuffing? The decadent cheesecake? Choose the things you truly love and savor every single bite. Because you deserve to enjoy it, don’t you?

The beauty of the 80/20 rule is that it shifts the focus from restriction to intentionality. Instead of obsessing over what you “should” or “shouldn’t” eat, you can lean into what really matters: the joy of the moment, the connection at the table, and the warmth of the season.

So this holiday season, let go of the guilt weighing you down. You’re allowed to nourish your body and your soul in a way that feels expansive, not limiting. Trust me—it’s not just freeing; it’s the kind of balance that lasts long after the holidays are over. And wouldn’t that be a relief?

The Veggie First Strategy (How to Set Yourself Up for Success Before You Even Arrive)

Picture this: you’re getting ready for a holiday party or a big family dinner. The table will be overflowing with buttery rolls, creamy casseroles, and desserts practically begging for your attention. You promise yourself, “I’ll just stick to one plate,” but by the end of the night, you’re feeling stuffed, sluggish, and weighed down by guilt. Sound familiar?

And I don’t have to tell you that’s a broken strategy. It sets you up to feel deprived going in and defeated coming out. That’s no way to enjoy the holidays, is it?

Here’s a simple shift that can change everything: eat your veggies before you go.

It sounds almost too easy to work, doesn’t it? But there’s a reason this is so powerful. When you eat a plate of vegetables before a party or big meal, you’re giving your body a head start. Veggies are packed with fiber to help you feel fuller, support digestion, and keep your blood sugar steady. Plus, you’re nourishing your body with what it actually needs, so you’re less likely to feel the pull of every indulgence on the table. Makes sense, right?

And no, this doesn’t mean you have to sit down to a giant salad before heading out the door. Keep it simple:

• Snack on crunchy carrot sticks, bell peppers, or cucumber slices with your favorite hummus.
• Toss some greens with olive oil, lemon, and a pinch of salt for a quick, satisfying salad.
• Or reheat leftover roasted veggies from the night before.

This isn’t about taking anything away. It’s about setting yourself up to enjoy the foods you love in a way that feels good. You’re not telling yourself, “I can’t have the cookies or mashed potatoes.” You’re saying, “I’ve already taken care of my body, so now I can enjoy the rest guilt-free.” Feels empowering, doesn’t it?

The beauty of this strategy is that it works whether you’re heading out to a fancy holiday dinner or hosting one in your own home. Starting with veggies gives you a sense of balance before the festivities even begin, making it easier to make choices you feel good about—not because you’re restricting, but because you’re already feeling nourished and grounded.

And let’s be honest, how amazing will it feel to sit down at that table, knowing you’ve already given your body something nourishing before the first dish is served? A small step, sure—but one that can make a big difference.

Protein Power (Your Secret Weapon for Feeling Satisfied)

If there’s one thing I wish I’d understood sooner, it’s this: protein is your best friend—especially during the holidays.

Here’s why: protein isn’t just about building muscle or hopping on some diet trend. It’s about how it makes you feel. When you get enough, protein helps balance your blood sugar, keeps cravings in check, and leaves you feeling satisfied and energized. It’s like your body’s built-in support system for making mindful choices without feeling deprived.

But let’s be real—holiday meals aren’t exactly famous for being protein-packed. There’s a reason the bread basket and dessert table always seem to win. So how do you make sure you’re getting enough protein when the holiday spread leans more carb-heavy? The key is to add it in wherever you can.

Here are a few easy ways to make it happen:

• At the meal: Load up on the turkey, ham, or whatever protein-rich main dish is being served. Pair it with sides like roasted veggies or a hearty salad to create a balanced plate that keeps you full and energized.
• Before you head out: Snack on something simple yet satisfying—a handful of almonds, a hard-boiled egg, or a scoop of Greek yogurt. Giving your body a protein boost ahead of time helps stabilize your hunger and makes it easier to enjoy the meal without going overboard.
• Bring your own dish: If you’re worried the meal won’t have enough protein options, bring one to share! A festive lentil salad, deviled eggs, or a tray of roasted chickpeas can add a protein punch to any holiday spread—and chances are, others will thank you for it.

Here’s the thing: when you focus on adding protein to your plate, everything else naturally feels more balanced. You’ll feel full, satisfied, and less likely to keep reaching for seconds (or thirds) of the heavier dishes. It’s not about restricting; it’s about giving your body what it truly needs first.

And let’s not forget the ripple effect. When you’re well-fed with foods that nourish your body, you’ll have more energy to be fully present. You’ll savor the laughter, the connection, and even those chaotic moments that make the holidays so special.

So this holiday season, let protein be your go-to. It’s not about what you’re giving up—it’s about what you’re gaining: steady energy, balanced choices, and the freedom to fully enjoy the moment. Doesn’t that sound good?

A Loving Reminder for the Holidays

Holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection, joy, and making memories with the people who matter most. And the way you approach food during this season should reflect that, don’t you think?

By focusing on what you’re adding—not what you’re cutting out—you can create a balance that feels good for both your body and your soul.

• With the 80/20 Rule, you give yourself the freedom to enjoy holiday indulgences without guilt.
• With the Veggie First Strategy, you set yourself up for success before the meal even begins.
• And with Protein Power, you’ll feel satisfied, energized, and in control of your choices.

The best part? These aren’t just holiday strategies—they’re tools you can use year-round to simplify your approach to food, nourish your body, and finally break free from the endless cycle of guilt and restriction. Doesn’t that sound freeing?

To help you get started, I’ve created something just for you: Mom’s Simple Protein-Packed Meals. It’s a free guide filled with quick, family-friendly ideas that make getting enough protein easy—even on your busiest days. Because let’s face it, we moms have enough to think about without stressing getting more protein during the holidays. 

[Grab your free copy here!]

This holiday season, let go of the stress and embrace balance. Say yes to the things that truly matter—to the people, the traditions, and even the pie. Because you deserve to feel good—not just during the holidays, but every day after.