5 Habits That Keep Me Feeling Healthy Through the Holidays as a Mom

The holidays can be beautiful—and completely exhausting. Between the sugar rushes, disrupted routines, and mental load of keeping everyone else happy, it’s easy to feel drained, bloated, and off track by January.

But here’s the truth: staying “healthy” during the holidays doesn’t mean restricting, skipping dessert, or adding more to your already full plate. It’s about small, consistent habits that help your body and mind feel steady in the chaos.

Here are 5 habits that actually keep me feeling my best through the holidays:

1. I don’t skip breakfast.

Even on the busiest mornings, I start my day with protein and fiber—think eggs and veggies, Greek yogurt with chia and berries, or a smoothie with protein powder and flaxseed.

Skipping breakfast messes with blood sugar and cortisol (your stress hormone), which means you’re more likely to crave sugar and carbs later. Starting your day nourished keeps energy steady and helps you stay grounded when holiday stress hits.

🧠 Science says: Balanced breakfasts with protein and fiber improve blood sugar control, mood, and appetite regulation throughout the day.

2. I move my body for energy, not punishment.

During the holidays, my workouts aren’t perfect—and that’s okay. Some days it’s 20 minutes of strength training, other days it’s a walk while my kids scoot on our block.

The goal isn’t to “burn off” pie. It’s to remind my body that movement is fuel for my mental health. Even short bouts of movement boost serotonin, lower cortisol, and help you sleep better.

3. I hydrate (like it’s my job).

Between travel, salty foods, and alcohol, hydration takes a hit this time of year. I aim for 70–90 oz of water daily and make it easy with sparkling water, my daily matcha and even a Olipop here and there. Dehydration shows up as fatigue, headaches, and sugar cravings—and nobody needs that while wrapping gifts at midnight.

4. I set boundaries around stress.

Not every event deserves your energy. If every night is booked, you’ll crash—and your hormones (and immune system) will feel it. Saying “no” isn’t selfish; it’s self-preservation. Protecting downtime means I show up as a calmer, happier mom—and my kids feel that, too.

🧠 Science says: Chronic stress raises cortisol and inflammation, both of which can disrupt sleep, digestion, and metabolism.

5. I don’t label food as “good” or “bad.”

Holiday food is meant to be enjoyed. I practice what I teach—build balanced plates most of the time (protein, fiber, color, and carbs I love) and eat dessert without guilt. Restriction fuels the “all-or-nothing” spiral. Nourishment with flexibility keeps your metabolism and mindset stable long after the holidays.

Health in motherhood isn’t about perfection—it’s about resilience. When you take care of your blood sugar, movement, and mindset, you can actually enjoy the holidays instead of surviving them.

You deserve to feel good in your body this season—without shrinking yourself or your joy, and without just assuming you'll be at your wit's end for 2 months and then start from scratch in January.

5 “Healthy” Foods That Actually Spike Blood Sugar

We’ve all been there — reaching for something that sounds healthy, only to feel that crash-and-burn energy dip a couple hours later. Here’s the deal: not all “healthy” foods are created equal when it comes to blood sugar.

Blood sugar matters because those big spikes (and the crashes that follow) can leave you moody, tired, craving all the things, and constantly wondering why your metabolism feels stuck.

Let’s talk about 5 foods that seem healthy but can sneakily send your blood sugar on a rollercoaster — plus some swaps and strategies to keep you balanced.

1. Granola

It’s marketed as wholesome, crunchy, and natural… but most store-bought granolas are loaded with sugar (sometimes more than a dessert).

• Why it spikes: A mix of oats + added sweeteners (honey, maple syrup, brown sugar) means high glycemic load.

• Better option: Look for lower-sugar granolas (<6g per serving), or make your own with oats, nuts, and seeds. Pro tip: pair with Greek yogurt for protein so your blood sugar stays steadier.

2. Juice (even “100% fruit juice”)

Orange juice, apple juice, green juice… it’s basically just concentrated sugar without the fiber.

• Why it spikes: Stripped of fiber, juice hits your bloodstream like soda, with a glycemic load similar to a sugary snack.

• Better option: Eat the whole fruit! Fiber + chewing slows things down. If you really want juice, pair it with eggs, yogurt, or another protein.

3. Rice Cakes

Yes, they’re low-calorie. Yes, they feel “diet-y.” But they’re basically a fast-track starch.

• Why it spikes: Rice cakes have one of the highest glycemic indexes of any snack food (meaning they act almost like straight glucose).

• Better option: Swap for a brown rice cake and top with nut butter + chia seeds for protein/fiber/fat to balance it out.

4. Gluten-Free Packaged Foods

Gluten-free ≠ blood sugar friendly. A lot of gluten-free breads, crackers, and baked goods are made with refined starches like rice flour, potato starch, or tapioca.

• Why it spikes: Those starches digest quickly, leading to high glycemic load, even if the label looks “clean.”

• Better option: If you’re gluten-free, look for whole-grain blends (quinoa, millet, buckwheat) and add protein/fiber-rich toppings.

5. Smoothies (store-bought or homemade without balance)

Throwing fruit, juice, and a little ice into a blender? That’s basically liquid sugar.

• Why it spikes: All fruit + no protein, fat, or fiber = a blood sugar surge. Even bananas + berries alone can do it if not balanced.

• Better option: Build your smoothie with the trifecta — protein powder or Greek yogurt, greens or chia/flax for fiber, and some healthy fat (nut butter, avocado). Add a small portion of fruit for flavor instead of 3 cups of fruit.

Bottom Line:

Foods aren’t “bad” or “good.” But when it comes to blood sugar, context matters. If you pair carbs with protein, fiber, and healthy fat, you’ll blunt the spike, keep cravings calmer, and avoid the mid-day crash that makes mom life feel impossible.

So, next time you reach for that “healthy” snack, ask: Where’s the protein? Where’s the fiber? Where’s the fat? The goal isn’t perfection — it’s balance. And balance = energy, stable moods, and feeling like yourself again.

👉 Want more no-BS, mom-friendly nutrition tips like this? Join me inside Nourished Collective this month — where we take these science-backed strategies and make them actually doable in your real mom life.

How Long Does It Take to Lose the Baby Weight?

If you've ever Googled, “How long will it take to lose the baby weight?”—you’re not alone.

It’s one of the most common questions postpartum moms ask. Not because they’re vain or shallow or trying to “snap back”… but because they want to feel like themselves again.

And if that’s you, I want to start by saying this: You are not behind. You are not broken. And you’re allowed to want to feel strong and confident in your body again, without guilt.

But let’s talk about what this process really looks like.

First, let’s get one thing straight: your body did something incredible —hard stop.

You just spent nearly a year growing a whole human. Your hormones shifted, your organs rearranged, your blood volume doubled, your muscles and skin stretched, and now you’re healing, feeding, carrying, and raising that little person.

You are not in a “bounce back” season. You are in a rebuild season. And healing takes time.

So… How Long Does It Take to Lose the Baby Weight?

Just about every single client that comes to me asks me this question.

Short answer: It depends.

Long answer: There is no one-size-fits-all timeline. But here’s what research and real life tell us:

• Most women retain 5–10 pounds of their pregnancy weight after one year

• Some women lose weight without trying due to breastfeeding and hormones; others gain weight due to sleep deprivation, stress, and under-eating

• Some women take 6–12 months, others take 2+ years—both are normal

• Weight loss too fast (especially while breastfeeding) can impact milk supply, energy, and hormone health

• Sustainable fat loss typically happens at 0.5–1 lb per week, once your body is nourished, sleeping more, and no longer under high stress

What Slows It Down (That No One Talks About)

Most postpartum moms are underfed, underslept, overstressed, and expecting way too much, way too soon. That combo alone can tank your metabolism, increase cravings, and make it nearly impossible to lose fat—even if you’re “doing everything right.”

Some common roadblocks:

• Skipping meals (especially breakfast)

• Relying on caffeine instead of actual food

• Cutting carbs or calories too soon

• Not eating enough protein to rebuild muscle

• Chronic stress and lack of sleep

• Returning to intense exercise too soon

What Actually Helps You Lose Fat—The Right Way

The most effective postpartum weight loss comes from nourishing your body, not depriving it. I PROMISE.

Here’s what works:

• Prioritize protein and fiber at most meals

• Fuel your body regularly (not just coffee + snacks)

• Strength train to rebuild lean muscle (gradually start this once you're cleared by your doc)

• Sleep when you can and support stress relief (even in small ways)

• Stay consistent—not perfect

  
  

When your body feels safe, fed, and supported… it lets go.

My Gentle Reminder to You

If you’re 6 months, 12 months, or even 2 years postpartum and still holding onto extra weight, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. You’ve probably just been putting everyone else first, and now it’s time to come back to you.

You don’t need to go on a restrictive diet. You don’t need to punish yourself with cardio. You just need a plan that supports your season, your body, and your real life.

Ready to Start?

Start with one habit: breakfast.

My free guide, the Protein & Fiber Breakfast Blueprint, shows you exactly how to build meals that support your energy, hormones, and fat loss in just 5 minutes. It’s simple, mom-friendly, and totally doable—even with a baby on your hip.

👉 Download it here

And if you’re looking for deeper support, I’d love to see you inside Nourished Mama on Demand—my monthly coaching community for moms who are done with diet culture and ready for real results.

Sending you love in this tender and special season mama!