Nutrition Tips on How to Navigate the Holiday Season

BY CERTIFIED NUTRITIONIST & MACRO COACH, NINI

The holiday season is often associated with rich, indulgent foods and festive treats—something we all look forward to but may also worry about when it comes to staying on track with health goals. The good news is that you don’t have to choose between enjoying the holidays and staying mindful of your nutrition. With some simple strategies, you can savor the season without sacrificing the foods you love or feeling like you've overindulged.

Here are my go to tips for navigating holiday gatherings with a balanced approach that includes enjoying the treats you love while prioritizing healthy choices.

1. Prioritize Protein and Fiber

Why It Helps: Protein and fiber are incredibly satisfying nutrients that help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you fuller for longer. This is especially helpful when you're surrounded by tempting holiday dishes and sweets.

• Protein Tips: Start your meals with protein-based dishes like chicken, turkey, seafood, or red meat. If you’re at a potluck, consider bringing a protein-rich dish to ensure you have protein packed options. Or enjoy a protein focused snack before heading off to a holiday gathering. 

• Fiber Tips: Add fiber-rich sides like a colorful salad or roasted veggies. If you know dessert is coming, filling up on protein and fiber first can help prevent the urge to overeat sweets later.
  

2. Stay Hydrated

Why It Helps: Drinking water throughout the day not only helps with digestion but can also reduce cravings, as thirst is sometimes mistaken for hunger. Alcohol, a holiday staple, can be dehydrating, so balancing with water is crucial.

• Hydration Tips: Start your morning with a glass of water, and keep sipping throughout the day. Aim for at least half of your body weight of water in ounces. Sprinkling in high quality sea salt or electrolytes will help your body absorb the water even more. 

• Festive Hydration: If you’re in the mood for something seasonal, try adding slices of citrus, cinnamon sticks, or cranberries to your water for a festive twist.

3. Keep Moving Daily

Why It Helps: Movement is essential for maintaining energy and boosting your metabolism, especially when you’re indulging a bit more. Even small bursts of activity can help improve digestion and reduce stress—both of which are extra important during this busy season.

• Movement Tips: Aim to get at least 30 minutes of movement each day. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a quick workout at home, or even dancing at a holiday party, keeping active will make a difference.

• Holiday-Friendly Exercise: Try making it a family activity! Sign up for your neighborhood turkey trot or challenge friends and family to a game of touch football.
  
  

4. Mindful Indulgence

Why It Helps: Mindful eating is about savoring your food and truly enjoying every bite. This approach can help you feel satisfied without the urge to overeat, which is especially helpful when you’re surrounded by seasonal treats.

• Chew and Savor: Allow yourself to truly enjoy your holiday favorites. Taking the time to savor each bite by chewing your food thoroughly can prevent overeating and lead to a greater sense of satisfaction.

• Protein and Fiber First: Enjoy protein and fiber focused foods before mindfullying indulging in desserts. This will help from overindulging and staying mindful with your meal. 
  
  

Enjoy the Season and Stay Nourished

By focusing on these simple strategies—prioritizing protein and fiber, staying hydrated, keeping active, and practicing mindful indulgence—you can enjoy everything the holiday season has to offer without sacrificing your nutrition. Remember, it’s not about perfection but about finding a balance that lets you enjoy the season while taking care of yourself.

Happy holidays, and cheers to a healthy, balanced season!

Hi, I’m Nini!

I’m a certified nutritionist and macro coach. My goal is to help create sustainable habits that support long-term health and wellness. Whether you're focused on weight loss, body recomposition, hormone balance, or just learning how to properly fuel your body, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. I offer one hour sessions as well as 3 month programs that specialize in body recomposition and hormone rebalancing. I work with men and women of all ages virtually.

My Education
After studying business and entrepreneurship at University of San Francisco for my undergraduate degree. As my passion for nutrition, health and wellness grew, I went back to school at a food science and holistic nutrition college, Bauman College, where I received my nutrition consultant credentials. My love of learning didn’t stop there, I most recently received my latest credentials in macro coaching. What began as a passion, turned into a side hustle and quickly became my career. I love helping people re-establish their relationship with food and learn how to fuel and nourish their body to its fullest potential.

Interested in learning more? Let’s chat! I offer a free 15 minute discovery call - send me an email at nini@nourishedbynini.com or book HERE. 

“Ginger has SAVED my skin from adult hormonal acne. I’m so grateful for her knowledge and support! If you are in the Bay Area, she is the BEST when it comes to treating hormonal acne! - Nini Maines, Certified Nutritionist and Macro Coach