Realistically Navigate Holiday Eating: Tips For The Busy Woman
Hi!
I'm Charlie, Master Trainer and founder of Faithfully Fit & Frugal (F3). Together with my team, F3 is here to empower busy women to embrace healthier, stronger, and more vibrant lives.
Welcome to my cozy corner online. I’m truly delighted you’ve stopped by!
At F3, we know life gets hectic for women like you. Self-care can easily slip to the bottom of a never-ending to-do list.
Our mission is to simplify fitness, nutrition, and wellness for you. On the F3 Blog, you’ll find practical tips and chef-crafted recipes that are both delicious and quick, designed to fuel your goals.
Let’s dive into holiday eating.
Because it’s that time of year again! Let me tell you, I absolutely love this festive season for its beautiful colors, the focus on gratitude, and all the mouthwatering, indulgent dishes it brings.
As a Master Fitness Trainer, I also recognize that this season can bring its share of stress for many.
This is especially true if you’re just beginning your fitness journey.
Everyone wants to savor holiday meals without guilt or regret. Who could blame you for that?
Many new to fitness feel torn between enjoying a festive meal or skipping it altogether to stay on track.
But here’s some reassurance: one meal will not undo your hard work. It’s the consistent choices over time that truly matter, whether good or not so good.
So, let’s explore a third path: simple, realistic tips you can use at any meal, whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual get-together.
As a note, if you’re hosting or attending a holiday meal, don’t hesitate to ask about the ingredients in any dish. Knowing what’s inside helps empower you to make choices you can feel good about.
First, keep in mind: it’s not just one meal that counts as mentioned. It’s the pattern of choices before, during, and after the holidays that shapes your progress.
Instead of focusing on what you can or can’t have, try giving classic holiday dishes a healthy twist. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, small swaps like the below can make a big difference:
Choose leaner meats such as turkey or ham.
Choose baked or grilled foods instead of fried. That deep-fried turkey might tempt you, but grilled turkey can be just as mouthwatering.
Go for grilled or steamed veggies instead of cream-based dishes like the classic green bean casserole.
Swap marshmallows for pure maple syrup in your sweet potato casserole. Maple syrup adds natural sweetness and keeps things simple, reducing added sugars and other unnecessary ingredients as well.
Try homemade cranberry sauce instead of canned, which is often loaded with extra sugar.
Opt for plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. You’ll enjoy the same creamy texture and slight tang with less fat and an added protein boost to keep you satisfied, helping prevent overeating. This is because protein also helps with satiety (feeling full).
Pick pumpkin pie over pecan pie. Pumpkin offers complex carbs to help you feel full and is slow-digesting, while pecan pie is much higher in fats.
With these simple and realistic swaps, you can make more informed choices for your nutrition.
Whether you’re hosting or visiting, these strategies can help you stay on track all season long while still enjoying your holiday meals.
If this is new for you, give yourself time to adjust.
Remember, the more proactive you are with your nutrition, the more confident and comfortable you’ll feel making the changes you want.
Are you ready to make this your healthiest holiday season yet? Join us at Faithfully Fit & Frugal (F3) and start making empowered choices, one meal at a time, using any of our monthly nutrition subscriptions! Sign up here.
And once you subscribe or make your purchases, as we’ve partnered with Truemed, don’t forget to see if yo'u’re eligible to save an average of 30% off your purchases using your FSA/HSA funds. Details are available on the F3 website.
Keep WORKING.
F3. LET’S WORK.
Talk soon.
Your Master Trainer,
Charlie
