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November 1st hits and it’s automatically Holiday season. Friendsgiving, work events, gatherings with close friends and family. It’s that time of year when suddenly everyone wants to be together. The smell of cinnamon wafts through the house, every meal somehow includes cheese, and “portion control” goes on vacation until January.  “New year new me” “New Year Resolution”. But what if this year, instead of crawling into the new year feeling bloated, tired, and in a sugar coma, we glide in feeling good?

Yes, it’s possible and no, it doesn’t require skipping your guilty pleasures! That would just be sinful. 😊

Here’s how to stay well, energized, and a little less puffy this holiday season. 

1. Eat like you love your body

You know that saying “you are what you eat?” Well, during the holidays, many of us turn into butter rolls. Full, fluffy, round and buttery.  Instead, try this:

• Fill half your plate with real, colorful foods. Think of roasted veggies, fresh salads, and fruits. (whole foods)

• Go for quality over quantity. Instead of five random desserts, pick your absolute favorite and savor it. Maybe even bring your favorite desert made “healthier)

• Chew slowly (yes, really chew). Eating too fast is like shouting at your stomach. It gets overwhelmed and confused.

2. Pause and Nourish

Fasting doesn’t mean you skip every meal while dreaming of the sweet potato casserole with marshmallows.  Think of it as a digestive nap.

• Try 12–14 hours overnight between dinner and breakfast. This gives your body time to rest and reset.

• Or do a “light day” after a heavy holiday meal.  Smoothies, soups, teas, and water. Your gut will thank you.

• Listen to your body. If you’re hungry, eat! If you’re not, don’t force the leftovers.

3. Read the Labels 

Let’s be honest, some “holiday treats” are basically science projects with sugar. My rule of thumb when reading labels is it should read like a recipe.Before you toss that Seasonal snack into your cart, flip it over:

• If you can’t pronounce half the ingredients, put it back.

• If sugar shows up five times under different names (syrup, maltose, glucose, magic dust), it’s probably not “fueling your holiday spirit.”

• Choose real ingredients! 

4. Check In After You Eat

Here’s where the real wellness work happens, after the meal. Start paying attention:

• Did that meal make you feel happy or heavy?

• Are you energized or ready to nap under the table?

• Feeling bloated, moody, or tired could mean your body’s not loving what you just ate.It’s not about guilt, it’s about awareness. Your body is talking; it just doesn’t use words.

5. Grace Over Guilt

If you overdo it (and you probably will at least once), breathe. One meal doesn’t undo your progress. The holidays are about joy, connection, and a little indulgence. Just balance it out. Go for a walk, hydrate, stretch, or even dance around your living room to your favorite holiday playlist.

Wellness during the holidays isn’t about restriction. It’s about being intentional and knowing your limits. It’s practicing self-control without depriving yourself and choosing mindfulness over mindless indulgence.

Listen to your body with intention, honor it with care, and give thanks for the health and strength you have because someone else is wishing for what you get to enjoy this season.

Remember, food is meant to be part of the celebration, not the reason you’ll need one afterward.

Read Cheyenne’s eBook, Read the Label, for more guidance on intentional eating and wellness. And follow her on Instagram @boldwithcheyenne for more wellness inspiration.