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

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.