Navigating The Holidays the Mediterranean Way
The holidays can be such a joyous time—but they can also bring added stress, endless to-do lists, and plenty of tempting treats. Today we’re talking about how you can navigate this with ease!
The holiday season has always been one of my favorite times of the year. It’s filled with warmth and connection—cozy dinners with loved ones, decorating the house together, and plenty of laughter echoing through the halls. But over the years, I’ve also realized that while the holidays bring so much joy, they can easily knock us off balance when it comes to maintaining our health and well-being.
With endless to-do lists, the hustle of holiday prep, and tempting treats around every corner, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
That’s why I love the Mediterranean Lifestyle!
It’s not just about food; it’s a way of living that helps you find balance amidst the busyness so you can celebrate without feeling drained or out of sync with your health goals.
It allows me to enjoy everything the holidays offer—festive meals, family time, and special treats—while still feeling good about my choices.
Today, I’m sharing some tips on how you can navigate the season with ease and joy, savoring every moment without sacrificing your well-being.
And to help you along the way, we’ve included our FREE Holiday Guide: Time-Saving Recipes for Less Stress & Eating Success—because we could all use a little extra support during this busy time!
1. Be Selective with Your Treats
The holidays are filled with treats, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or tempted to over-indulge at every event. Instead of saying no to everything (which can lead to feelings of restriction), be strategic. Think ahead about the planned events, and choose when you want to enjoy your favorite festive foods.
Example: If you know you’re attending a weeknight dinner, maybe skip dessert there so you can fully enjoy your friend Christie’s famous chocolate chip cookies at a cookie exchange later in the week.
It’s all about balance. Treat yourself when it’s meaningful, and enjoy it guilt-free!
2. Have a Plan for Parties and Dining Out
Holiday gatherings are often centered around food, but that doesn’t mean you need to abandon your health goals. A little planning can help you make better choices without feeling deprived.
Before you Go: Eat a balanced snack with protein and fiber, such as Greek yogurt with berries or an apple with peanut butter. This will prevent you from arriving at the event starving and making impulsive decisions.
At the Party: Focus on enjoying the company. When it’s time to eat, fill your plate with veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fats. When you're satisfied but not stuffed (think 6 or 7 out of 10 on a hunger scale) stop eating—this mindful approach is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet.
Check out our blog: Mediterranean Diet Snacks with quick and easy snack ideas.
3. Choose Active Holiday Gatherings
Social connection doesn’t have to revolve around food and drinks. Try adding physical activities to your holiday plans to stay active while still spending quality time with loved ones. Plus, movement is a great way to reduce holiday stress.
Ideas: Instead of meeting up for a drink, suggest going for a walk in the park, going ice skating, or checking out holiday lights around town. Try going for a brisk walk around the mall with a friend, then do some holiday shopping! You can make it fun and productive at the same time.
4. Stay Hydrated, Especially if Choosing Alcohol
The holidays often mean an increase in alcohol consumption, whether it’s wine at dinner, cocktails at parties, or festive spiked drinks. While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy these beverages, be mindful of how much you’re drinking and make sure to stay hydrated.
Pro Tip: Drink in moderation and aim to enjoy a glass of water between every alcoholic beverage to stay hydrated. This simple habit will keep you feeling your best, even after a night of celebrations.
PS: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest:
2 drinks or less in a day for men
1 drink or less in a day for women
You can learn more here.
5. Stress Less with Time-Saving Recipes
The holiday season is busy, and stress can quickly build up. To make your life a little easier, focus on simple, time-saving recipes that align with the Mediterranean diet's principles of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Preparing healthy meals doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming!
Check out our FREE Holiday Guide: Time-Saving Recipes for Less Stress & Eating Success for kitchen tools and quick, nutritious recipes that make meal prep a breeze. This way you can spend more time enjoying the holidays and less time worrying about what’s for dinner.
PURPOSEful Next Steps
As you navigate the holiday season, setting realistic, actionable goals is important. Here’s a challenge for you—each week, pick two things that you’ll do to stay on track with your health while still enjoying the festivities. Here are some ideas to get started:
Plan your meals ahead of time so you’re not caught off guard at holiday parties.
Swap one social event centered around food or drinks for an active outing, such as a walk, hike, or trip to see holiday lights.
It’s all about balance—taking small, purposeful steps that keep you feeling your best throughout the holidays.
Need more inspiration? Check out our blog: 6 Holiday Tips to Stay Healthy
Happy holidays!
Pam & the Team