Simple Ways to Navigate the Holidays

I can’t believe it’s already mid-November!

With the holidays getting closer, I want to share a few thoughts that have been on my mind. This time of year is exciting, eventful, and filled with traditions… but it can also feel chaotic and stressful. Routines get thrown off, travel ramps up, and there is a lot of pressure to do everything and be everywhere. I have been talking to many of you about this lately, so I figured a newsletter would help all of us go into the season feeling more prepared and grounded.

1. Give yourself permission to keep things simple
There’s a lot of noise around holiday wellness. Perfect meals, strict routines, or extreme discipline are not necessary. What actually works is consistency in the basics! Drink water throughout the day. Get outside (or on the treadmill) for a quick walk. Have protein and fiber at your meals. These small habits hold everything together when your schedule does not look the way it normally does.

2. Make a few intentional swaps, not a complete overhaul
The holidays are meant to be enjoyed. Instead of trying to avoid every treat or pressing the restart button on January 1, look for simple upgrades. Choose a cleaner hot chocolate. Bring a protein-forward dish to a gathering. Use a higher-quality baking mix instead of the conventional one. These tiny choices add up without making you feel restricted or disconnected from the moment!

3. Focus on the routines that actually support you
Some habits matter more than others. Think about the one or two things that keep you stable. Maybe it’s your morning coffee at home, your electrolytes, a workout you love, or going to bed at a reasonable time. Hold on to the habits that help you feel like yourself. They act as an anchor throughout the season.

4. Don’t let holiday meals stress you out
One meal will not change your progress. One party won’t either. What matters is what you do most of the time. If you enjoy something special, truly focus on enjoying it! Then move on with no guilt. Simply return to your normal structure at your next meal.

5. Plan ahead without overthinking
If you are traveling, pack a few snacks you can rely on. If you are hosting, look at the menu and see where a protein source fits in. If you know you have a busy week coming up, stock your fridge with a few easy options. The goal is to make the healthier choice the easier one, not the perfect one.

6. Focus on how you want to feel, not what you want to avoid
Ask yourself: How do I want to feel by the end of the holiday season? Energized, steady, and proud of myself. This mindset alone creates better choices. It guides your actions without feeling like a list of rules.

As always, my goal is to help you feel supported, not overwhelmed. The holidays should be a time of connection, joy, and good food. With a few intentional habits, you can enjoy all of it while still feeling your best!

I hope you found this week’s newsletter helpful!

Talk soon,
Hunter