So holiday season is upon us… And it’s got me thinking.…A lot of things come up with holidays around food, indulgence, and well, guilt.
See I hear from a lot of women who feel both really excited about the holidays and all that comes with family and friends.
But also really anxious and sometimes nervous about what that amount of delicious food and drinks means for their health (and fitting into their clothes).
And I get it because I also once felt that way..
I will never forget about 12 years ago a particular Thanksgiving at my parent’s house where I overindulged. And when I say overindulged it was EVERYTHING. Wine, turkey, potatoes, stuffing, cookie here, cookie there, pumpkin pie, other pie, everything. It was like I just couldn’t stop eating.
I felt like something was wrong with me :-/
And afterwards I was awoken in the night with horrible stomach pains and I’ll spare you the details but I was in the bathroom with what I call “double bucket syndrome.” I think you get the gist.
It was then I realized I had a problem and I needed to learn how to enjoy these moments without over-doing it.
When I learned a couple tips it really helped me keep things in balance while still enjoying the fun-filled deliciousness that is the holiday season so I thought I’d break it down for you a couple of those “secrets” that helped.
And it has less to do with those specific holidays and more to do with the other days, what you do every day.
Here’s why I’m not tracking my food during Thanksgiving—or the days after—and why you shouldn’t stress, either.
1. One Day Off-Plan Won’t Make You Gain 3 Pounds of Body Fat
Let’s get one thing straight: enjoying Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t mean you’re throwing away weeks of effort. Weight fluctuations are normal after a big meal (hello, salt and water retention). A few extra calories in a single day won’t magically turn into body fat unless you’re consistently overindulging.
So go ahead and enjoy the stuffing, the turkey, or whatever lights up your taste buds. These are all pretty good macros actually! Trust me, you’re good.
2. Get Active on Thanksgiving—Seriously, Move!
Before you dive into that pumpkin pie, make a plan to move your body. Whether it’s a morning walk, a family Turkey Trot, or even a quick lifting workout, getting active primes your body to use all that delicious food as fuel instead of storing it as fat.
Here’s a good tip: After you eat your normal meal, invite the fam bam on a little neighborhood stroll. Then, you’ll be primed for some pumpkin pie instead of feeling like you’re topping off an over-flowing cup.
Think of it as a win-win: You get to enjoy your meal, and your body stays in “let’s burn energy” mode.
3. Treat It Like a Refeed Day (and Zoom Out)
If you’re in a calorie deficit leading up to Thanksgiving, think of this feast as a strategic refeed day—a planned break that helps reset your metabolism and keep you motivated. The trick is to jump right back into your routine the next day.
When you zoom out and look at your progress over months, 1-2 days “off” barely registers. So relax, enjoy the green bean casserole, and know you’re playing the long game.
4. The Week Leading Up Is Key—Lift Heavy
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the day itself. The week leading up to it? That’s your golden opportunity. Hit the weights, challenge yourself in the gym, and focus on building strength.
Why? Because lifting “heavy stuff” increases your body’s demand for recovery and energy—meaning all that holiday food will be put to good use in building lean muscle. Boom.
5. Plan Ahead: Love It or Leave It
Not every food on the Thanksgiving table deserves a spot on your plate. Think about what you truly love and can’t wait to eat—and skip the stuff you’re indifferent about.
For me? Rolls are a hard pass (blah), but pass me the pumpkin pie and I’m a happy camper. Pick your favorites, savor them, and skip the rest.
6. Ditch the Guilt—It’s a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Worried that you’re going to “undo” all your progress? Let me stop you right there. The only thing that will truly derail you is the mindset that you’ve failed. Haven’t you heard of the self-fulfilling prophecy?
Instead of stressing, tell that little devil on your shoulder to shove it. You’re in control, and one day of enjoying yourself won’t unravel everything you’ve worked for.
7. Have a Plan for After the Holiday
The best way to keep the momentum going? Plan something active for after Thanksgiving. Go for a hike, schedule a workout, or set a weekend step goal that’s beyond your usual.
My family likes to play pickleball, spikeball, etc.. We get moving instead of sitting around..
This simple step will help you feel good (mentally and physically) and remind your body that you’re still the boss. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself.
This Will Set You Free
At the end of the day, the holidays are about connection, gratitude, and joy—not about stressing over calories. By following these tips, you’ll walk into Thanksgiving with confidence and leave feeling empowered, not regretful.
Feel better now? Good. You’ve got this. 🦃✨. Now come on over to IG and DM me what helped the most, k?
