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Writer's pictureLisa Wright Burbach

From Turkey to Tinsel: Your Guide to Balanced Holiday Eating

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Your Guide to Balanced Eating!


The holidays are a time of joy, connection, and, let’s be honest, indulgence! Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it can feel like a non-stop parade of cookies, creamy, well in home it is cheesy casseroles, and festive cocktails. But here’s the good news: you can enjoy the season and make wise choices without sacrificing your health goals. It’s all about balance—finding that sweet spot between nourishing your body and savoring the treats that make this time of year special.


Let’s dive into how you can eat mindfully, navigate holiday parties, and keep your health in check while still enjoying the magic of the season.


  1. Set the Tone with a Healthy Foundation and Balanced Eating

    • Focus on plant-based meals as your base: vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.

    • Include moderate amounts of lean meats and fish to keep meals balanced.

    • Use healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts for flavor and satiety.

    • This is our Lifestyle habit we are developing, we start here.

  2. Traffic Light Eating Approach

    • Green Light: Fruits and veggies

    • Yellow Light: Moderation foods: whole grain pastas, lean meats, cheese, whole grain rice and whole grain breads.

    • Red Light: Treats to enjoy occasionally without guilt (holiday desserts or rich meals).

  3. Navigating Holiday Parties

    • Before the party: Eat a balanced snack so you’re not ravenous when you arrive. Try starting with Green Light foods.

    • During the party: Start with lighter options like veggies, fruits, and lean proteins before sampling richer foods.

    • Treats and drinks: Choose your favorite indulgences and enjoy them mindfully.

    • Listen to your tummy: Try to stop eating when you feel about 80% full. That looks like this, you feel satisfied and maybe you could eat more, but you don't need to. In about 20 minutes you will feel fuller.

  4. The Power of Balance

    • Understand that one indulgent meal won’t derail your progress.

    • Don't stress or shame yourself during this time.

    • Know that there will be multiple special occasions, and it is OK, it's the season.

    • Plan lighter meals the day before or after a big event to reset.

    • Stay hydrated and active to support overall health.

  5. Stress-Free Choices

    • Give yourself grace. Holiday memories are made with laughter and togetherness, not calorie counts.

    • Remember: it’s okay to say “yes” to dessert or “no” to a second helping—it’s your choice.

    • Don't feel judged if you aren't hungry. It's OK to say "No, thank you, I'm not hungry right now".



The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, and food is a big part of that celebration. By incorporating balance, listening to your body, and making mindful choices, you can savor the season without guilt or regret. Healthy eating between Thanksgiving and Christmas doesn’t mean skipping out on holiday fun—it’s about embracing variety, enjoying occasional treats, and knowing when to relax and soak in the moment.


Cheers to a happy, healthy holiday season filled with nourishment and joy!


Cheers to you with this mocktail:


Festive Cranberry Orange Mocktail

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup 100% cranberry juice (unsweetened)

  • ½ cup sparkling water or club soda

  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

  • Ice cubes

  • Garnish: fresh cranberries, orange slices, and a sprig of rosemary

Instructions:

  1. Fill a glass with ice cubes.

  2. In a small pitcher, mix cranberry juice, orange juice, and honey or maple syrup (if using). Stir well to combine.

  3. Pour the mixture over the ice.

  4. Top with sparkling water and gently stir.

  5. Garnish with fresh cranberries, a slice of orange, and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch.

Tip: This mocktail is not only refreshing but packed with antioxidants from the cranberry and orange juice—making it a healthy and delightful choice for holiday gatherings!



 

Weekly Recipes


Have you ever gone out to a restaurant and just ordered several appetizers? we do it and love it, something different from time to time. This week I'm going to give you several appetizer recipes and you can use one as a meal by increasing the amount or adding soup or salad or mix it up and do an appetizers night.


Tip: When my kids were little this is how I got them to eat. We made cute food on pretty plates and boom! They ate it all! My son is 30 now and still makes his snacks on china! #win!


Clam Dip

1 pkg of cream cheese (8 oz)

1 can minced clams, drained and reserved

1-2 Tbs clam broth

1 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

A few dashes hot sauce to taste

Salt and pepper to taste


Mix Well and serve with crackers or crostini's



🥟Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup cups


  • Make tomato soup, homemade or canned

  • Use small dixie cups or plastic shot glasses and fill halfway with tomato soup, make sure it has sufficiently cooled so no one gets burned.

  • Make Grilled Cheese sandwiches and cut into sticks that will fit into the cups you purchased.

  • Serve with the grilled cheese sandwiches sticks resting across the cups or on the side.













 


lip salve

Pomifera™ Happy Salve is enriched with nutrient-dense, anti-aging Pomifera oil, providing deep nourishment for the lips. It also helps protect the lips with a fortifying barrier of beeswax and botanical oils. Cruelty-free, travel-friendly, and available in four unique scents: Orange Almond, Meyer Lemon, Rosemary Mint, and Peppermint and three holiday exclusive scents: Honey Almond, Coconut Ginger Almond, and Lemon Orange Blossom.

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