Holiday Health Hacks: How I’m Keeping Glucose Balanced While Enjoying the Season

The holidays are officially around the corner, and for those of us who are paying close attention to our health and blood sugar levels, this season can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. Between the endless parties, family gatherings, and the abundance of delicious food, it’s so easy to let routines slip. We’ve all been there—those days where one treat turns into a week of indulgence, and suddenly you’re feeling sluggish, out of sync, and not quite like yourself.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to stress about it! With a little preparation, a clear mindset, and some simple strategies, you can navigate the holidays with confidence, stay in control, and still enjoy all the moments that make this season so magical.

Today, I want to dive into exactly how I’m gearing up for the holidays. We’ll explore the ways I’m staying on track and, in some areas, even stepping up my game. Sometimes setting small, mindful goals can make all the difference in helping us stay accountable and feel our best, no matter how busy life gets.

We’ll cover everything from food choices to mindset shifts and even some of my strategies for handling the big Thanksgiving feasts. Yes, you heard that right—feasts! I’m lucky enough to have two family gatherings to attend, which means two days in a row of incredible meals. I’ll share my thought process for navigating those meals, how I decide what to eat, and how I keep things balanced without missing out on the joy of the season.

So grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let’s dive into my holiday prep plan to keep glucose balanced, energy high, and stress low. Let’s make this holiday season our healthiest and happiest one yet!

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Why People Slow Down During the Holidays

One thing I’ve noticed is that people tend to slow down during the holiday season. I’m not sure why it’s become this cultural norm, but there’s this belief that we have to give in to the busyness, skip workouts, and indulge in unhealthy foods. For me, health is non-negotiable, and I’m not letting the holiday chaos get in the way.

I’ve always been a pretty disciplined person, especially when it comes to my fitness and health. And even though this “all-or-nothing” mentality is so common around the holidays, it doesn’t have to be that way. We can still make better choices and feel good about what we’re eating without feeling like we’re missing out.

Here’s what I’m thinking: we don’t have to give in to the pressures of the holidays. The stress of being overscheduled can affect our sleep and glucose levels too. I’ve definitely felt it over the years—this idea that we should put our health goals on hold and pick things back up in the new year. But why should we slow down? Why should we let our health slip because it’s the holidays?

I make time for my health, no matter what’s going on around me. I’m the person who won’t skip the gym, and I won’t skip grocery shopping just because things are busy. I make my health a priority because it’s the foundation of everything I do. When I stay consistent, I feel my best, and that’s exactly what I want to carry into the holidays.

This year, I’m actually stepping it up. Instead of slowing down, I’m sneaking in extra workouts, focusing on fueling my body with homemade, nourishing meals, and keeping my routine strong. Why undo all the hard work I’ve put in throughout the year? Why not use this time to speed up and continue reaching my goals?

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How I Handle Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays—it’s a time to pause, gather with loved ones, and share in the joy of good food and great company. For us, it’s a bit of a marathon since both of our families host celebrations. That means two full days of Thanksgiving meals, and while I’m incredibly grateful for all the love and abundance, I’ll admit it can feel overwhelming at times.

The portion sizes are no joke. There’s turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, casseroles, pies, and so much more—enough to feed an army and then some! Over the years, I’ve learned how to approach the holiday in a way that lets me enjoy every bite while still feeling good afterward.

So how do I handle the day? Here’s what works for me:

1. I Eat a Normal Breakfast and Lunch
   • A common Thanksgiving myth is to “save calories” for the big meal, but I’ve found this approach backfires. When you skip meals, you’re more likely to overeat later. Instead, I stick to my usual balanced meals—protein, fat, fiber, and carbs—to keep my energy steady throughout the day.
2. Hydration is Key
   • I focus on staying well-hydrated all day long. Sometimes we confuse thirst with hunger, so I make sure to drink plenty of water before the meal and throughout the day to stay balanced and energized.
3. Mindful Choices Without Restrictions
   • When it’s time to eat, I enjoy the foods I love, but I also aim to make mindful choices. I load up on fiber-rich options like salads or roasted vegetables and try to balance my plate. This keeps me full and helps slow the absorption of carbs to prevent a big glucose spike.
4. Skipping the Bread and Appetizers
   • For me, the bread basket and appetizers are easy to pass on. It’s not that I’m being restrictive—I just know that I’d rather save room for the dishes that feel special to me, like my mom’s sweet potato casserole or my favorite pumpkin pie.
5. Taking a Walk Post-Meal
   • After eating, I love going for a walk if the weather allows. It’s a great way to get moving, spend some time outside, and help curb that post-meal glucose spike. Even a 10- or 15-minute stroll makes a big difference and feels so refreshing after sitting at the table.

By sticking to these simple strategies, I can fully enjoy Thanksgiving without feeling overly full or stressed about my health goals. The holiday is all about connection and gratitude, and these habits help me stay present and feel my best while celebrating.

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My Personal Plan for Staying on Track This Season

Let’s dive into how I’m staying dialed in this holiday season. Honestly, I’m in the best shape of my life right now. I feel stronger than ever, and I have a lot of gratitude for this progress. Whether it’s “mom strength” or the result of consistent effort, I’m here for it—and I’m not letting the holidays slow me down.

My postpartum fitness journey hasn’t been a straight path. Over the past three years, there were moments I wanted to quit and days when it felt like I’d never regain my pre-baby strength. But I kept showing up, even when it was hard, and now I’m here—stronger and more confident than I’ve ever been. That hard work is my reminder to keep going, even during the busiest time of year.

The holidays are often a time when people hit pause on their health goals, but I’m taking the opposite approach. With all the momentum I’ve built, why stop now? Instead, I’m leaning into the season with the intention to stay consistent, keep moving forward, and enjoy the holidays without compromising how I feel.

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Here’s what I’m focusing on:

1. Prioritizing Fiber Intake

Fiber is a game-changer for balancing blood sugar, so I’m making it a priority at every meal. I love starting meals with a big salad or roasted veggies to load up on fiber and nutrients. Bonus: It helps me feel satisfied before diving into the main course.

2. Swapping Out Refined Carbs

While there’s always room for treats, I’m cutting back on refined and starchy carbs where I can. Instead, I’m filling my plate with colorful, non-starchy veggies like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes. This can also be as simple as a side salad before your meal, slicing up cucumber or bell peppers with a dressing, just getting veggies with with high fiber is really important for keeping us full and satisfied and prevents us from overeating These nutrient-dense options keep me full and fueled.

3. Making Homemade Snacks

Rather than relying on store-bought treats loaded with hidden sugars and additives, I’ve been whipping up my own healthier versions of granola bars, muffins, and brownies. This way, I get to enjoy something indulgent without veering off track + save a little money too. How exactly do I do this with a toddler? Well, I usually have her help me mix things up or I make them while we’re making dinner to avoid making an additional mess to clean up in the kitchen. I’m also putting a few snacks on repeat over the coming weeks so it’s a no brainer, i know how to make them and I am not wasting ingredients always buying something else.

4. Cutting back on Pre-Made Foods

Frozen chicken nuggets, waffles, and burritos? Not in my kitchen. I’ve been taking the extra time to prepare meals myself, ensuring I know exactly what’s going into my body. It feels good to fuel my family with whole, real ingredients. Will this last forever? and have I been perfect no. Convience sometiems wins and taht’s okay too. But i’m just being more midnful of how often I grab the quick and easy pre-made stuff.

5. Batch Cooking for Simplicity

While I’m not into full-on meal prepping, I’ve embraced meal batching. Cooking larger portions means leftovers for days, making weeknight dinners easy and reducing food waste. I do this alot with taco meat, soups, enchiladas, hamburgers, pork chops – really anything you’re already making just make more!

6. Sneaking in Extra Workouts

When I have a free moment, I add an extra workout. It doesn’t have to be long—a quick strength session or brisk walk keeps my energy up and my routine intact.

7. Taking It One Day at a Time

Big goals can feel overwhelming, especially during the holidays. I’m focusing on small, daily wins, which keeps me accountable and consistent without unnecessary pressure. It doesnt have to be all or nothing – for example, my husband and I met at a bakery for a treat and coffee this morning – it was speical, we have fleixble scheudles that allowed us to do that so why not? I jumped right back in to my usual eating patterns and moved on!

8. Slowing Down Family Life

With so much going on, I’m making an effort to slow down and savor the small moments with my family. Less hustle, more presence. Cooking and making our own snacks takes more time, so when I involved the family or intenailly wnant to stay home it really does reduce the stress for me.

9. Journaling and Pre-Planning Days

Writing down my intentions for the day helps me stay organized and clear-headed. A little planning goes a long way in avoiding stress and last-minute decisions. I do this just about every night and if I dont get to it then I do it in the early morning before or after my workout.

10. Sticking with Tried-and-True Foods

The holidays aren’t the time for me to experiment with new recipes. I’m sticking with what I know works—simple, nourishing meals that my family loves. No need to go crzy with some random pinterest recipe that has 89 ingredietns. Just stick to the stuff you enjoy that will keep you well balanced and taht’s all you need!

11. Using Frozen Veggies

Life gets busy, so I lean on frozen vegetables when I need to save time. They’re quick, nutritious, and versatile—perfect for busy weeknights.

My Mindset Around the Holidays

I don’t see the holiday season as a two-month free-for-all. Yes, I’ll enjoy family meals, but I won’t use it as an excuse to overindulge. Over the years, I’ve learned to feel content with normal portions without feeling stuffed.

It’s easy to eat just because food is there, but I’ve gotten better at staying mindful. Before heading to big meals, I make sure to get plenty of protein and fiber so I’m not overly hungry. And I remind myself that food is meant to fuel my body—not control it.

Ultimately, it’s all about consistency. I take each meal and each day as it comes, making the best decision for my body and goals. The holidays don’t have to derail your health; with the right mindset and habits, they can become an opportunity to grow stronger and feel even better.

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So, that’s how I’m prepping for the holidays while keeping my glucose balanced. It’s all about maintaining consistency, staying disciplined, and making mindful decisions—even in the middle of all the holiday hustle. The holidays don’t have to be a free-for-all when it comes to your health. You don’t have to choose between feeling good and enjoying the season. You can do both!

How are you planning to stay healthy during the holidays? I’d love to hear your thoughts and what works for you. Let’s keep this conversation going and make this season our healthiest yet.