How to Stay Healthy and Focused on Your Goals During the Holiday Season (Without Missing Out on the Fun!)

The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration — but it can also feel like a minefield for anyone trying to stay committed to their health goals. Between the endless parties, rich foods, late nights, and festive drinks, it’s easy to feel like all your progress goes out the window by New Year’s Day.

But here’s the truth: you can enjoy the holidays and stay healthy. The key is balance, mindfulness, and a little preparation. Let’s explore some realistic, holistic ways to stay on track — and actually enjoy this special time of year.

1.  Shift Your Mindset: Progress, Not Perfection

The holidays aren’t about rigid rules or deprivation — they’re about connection, gratitude, and joy. When you allow yourself to enjoy a few treats mindfully, you’ll avoid the all-or-nothing thinking that often leads to guilt or overindulgence.

Tip: Before heading into a party or family dinner, remind yourself: “I choose what nourishes my body and my soul.” That includes both the salad and the shortbread cookie if that’s what brings you joy.

2. Anchor Your Day with Whole, Nourishing Foods

You can absolutely enjoy festive foods, but start each day with a foundation of nourishment. Think of every meal as an opportunity to give your body what it truly needs: protein, fibre, healthy fats, and hydration.

Try this:

• Begin your day with a smoothie packed with greens, berries, chia seeds, and a good protein source.

• Have a balanced meal before going out — it’ll stabilize your blood sugar and reduce cravings later.

• Stay hydrated! Sometimes that “hunger” at the buffet is really thirst in disguise.

3. Keep a Routine (But Make It Flexible)

The holidays can throw off our schedules, but maintaining a few simple habits helps your body stay grounded.

Holistic habits to maintain:

• Morning rituals: A few deep breaths, journaling, or lemon water before your day begins.

• Movement: Even a 20-minute walk or quick stretch counts — consistency matters more than perfection.

• Sleep: Prioritize rest whenever you can. Your energy, mood, and digestion will thank you.

4. Mindful Indulgence: Savour the Treats

You don’t have to say “no” to everything. Instead, choose what’s worth it to you and enjoy it fully.

Practice mindful eating:

• Slow down and really taste your food — notice the textures, smells, and flavours.

• Put your fork down between bites.

• Stop when you feel comfortably satisfied, not stuffed.

When you eat with awareness, you’re more likely to feel content and less likely to overdo it.

5. Be Smart About Holiday Drinks

It’s easy for calories (and sugar) to sneak in through cocktails and festive beverages. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or sparkling water with lime. You’ll stay hydrated and avoid the energy crash later.

Healthy swaps:

• Mulled wine made with less sugar

• Kombucha mocktails

• Vodka soda with citrus

• Herbal teas for cozy evenings in

6. Set Intentions, Not Restrictions

Rather than saying, “I won’t eat sugar,” try “I’ll nourish my body with wholesome foods most of the time.”

Intentions feel empowering and sustainable — restrictions feel punishing.

Examples of healthy holiday intentions:

• “I’ll move my body every day in a way that feels good.”

• “I’ll focus on connection and gratitude rather than stress.”

• “I’ll enjoy my favorite holiday treats mindfully and guilt-free.”

7.  Support Your Mind and Body with Self-Care

Stress can take a toll on your health faster than a slice of pie ever could. Take time to rest, reset, and breathe.

Self-care ideas:

• A warm bath with Epsom salts

• A walk in nature

• A digital detox day

• Journaling what you’re grateful for

• Saying “no” when you need to protect your peace

Remember: Health Is About Harmony

The holidays come once a year — they’re meant to be enjoyed. When you approach this season with balance, intention, and self-compassion, you’ll find that you can celebrate and stay aligned with your goals.

Let yourself laugh, rest, indulge, and nourish. You deserve it.

Thriving Through the Time Change: How to Boost Your Mood, Energy, and Routine During the Darker Months

As the clocks fall back and the days grow shorter, many of us feel the shift — physically, mentally, and emotionally. The darker mornings and early sunsets can disrupt our sleep, appetite, and motivation. It’s no wonder that this time of year can bring on sluggishness, mood dips, and even symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.

But here’s the good news: with a little awareness and intention, you can support your body and mind naturally through this transition. Here’s how to boost your mood, stay energized, and keep your routine — even when the sun seems to vanish too soon.

1. Honour Your Body’s Natural Rhythm

The time change can throw off your circadian rhythm — your body’s internal clock. To help it readjust:

• Stick to consistent sleep and wake times. Even on weekends. Routine helps your hormones (especially melatonin and cortisol) rebalance.

• Get light early in the day. Step outside within 30–60 minutes of waking. Morning light exposure signals your brain to wake up, boosts serotonin, and helps regulate melatonin production for better sleep at night.

• Dim lights at night. Reduce screens and bright lighting at least an hour before bed. Try amber light or candles for a cozy evening wind-down.

2. Move — Even When You Don’t Feel Like It

Shorter days often mean less activity, which can feed into low energy and mood dips. Movement is one of the most powerful natural antidepressants.

• Aim for 20–30 minutes of movement daily. It doesn’t have to be intense — walking, stretching, dancing in your kitchen, or gentle yoga all count.

• Get outdoors when possible. Even on cloudy days, natural light exposure boosts mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

• Try rhythmic movement. Walking, cycling, and swimming have a meditative quality that helps calm the nervous system.

3. Nourish Your Energy and Mood with Food

Your diet can deeply influence how you feel during the darker months. Focus on foods that stabilize blood sugar, support brain chemistry, and nourish your nervous system.

Key nutrients and foods to include:

• Omega-3 fats: Found in salmon, sardines, chia, flax, and walnuts — essential for mood and brain health.

• Vitamin D: Often low in winter; consider a supplement and include D-rich foods like fortified plant milks, eggs, and mushrooms exposed to sunlight.

• Complex carbs: Sweet potatoes, oats, quinoa, and lentils help support serotonin production and keep energy steady.

• Magnesium-rich foods: Leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and avocado help calm the nervous system and improve sleep.

• B vitamins: Found in whole grains, legumes, eggs, and nutritional yeast — vital for energy and stress resilience.

• Dark chocolate (in moderation): Contains magnesium and mood-boosting compounds that increase serotonin.

Limit: excess caffeine, refined sugar, and alcohol — they can worsen fatigue, mood swings, and sleep disruption.

4. Support Your Mental Health Holistically

• Try light therapy. A full-spectrum lightbox used for 20–30 minutes in the morning can help offset lack of sunlight and improve mood and energy.

• Practice mindfulness and gratitude. Journaling, meditation, or simply noticing something beautiful each day keeps your mindset grounded and positive.

• Stay connected. Isolation can intensify the winter blues. Plan coffee dates, phone calls, or group classes to keep social energy flowing.

• Nurture warmth and comfort. Think cozy blankets, warm herbal teas (like chamomile or lemon balm), and nourishing soups. Create a home environment that feels like a sanctuary.

5. Embrace the Season: Fun Winter Activities to Lift Your Spirits

Winter doesn’t have to be a season of hibernation — it can be full of play, creativity, and connection. Engaging in activities you enjoy helps release endorphins, reduce stress, and add meaning to the shorter days.

Outdoor ideas:

• Go for brisk winter walks or hikes — bundle up and enjoy the crisp air and quiet beauty of nature.

• Try ice skating, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing — great low-impact workouts that boost circulation and mood.

• Host a bonfire night or outdoor hot cocoa gathering with friends.

• Visit a local holiday market or tree lighting event to soak up festive energy.

• Take morning walks to catch daylight — even 15 minutes can make a difference.

• Try forest bathing (mindful time in nature) to calm your mind and reconnect with the season’s stillness.

Indoor ideas:

• Cook or bake nourishing seasonal recipes — soups, stews, roasted veggies, herbal teas, or homemade granola.

• Try a new creative hobby: painting, journaling, pottery, knitting, or photography.

• Host a cozy night in with candles, board games, and good company.

• Join a movement class — yoga, dance, or Pilates can keep your body active and endorphins flowing.

• Plan themed movie nights or winter book clubs to make evenings feel special.

• Declutter and reset your home — freshening up your space can be surprisingly energizing.

6. Create Winter-Friendly Routines

• Set intentions, not expectations. Instead of pushing yourself, create gentle structure: morning sunlight, nourishing meals, movement, rest.

• Embrace seasonal rhythms. Winter invites slowing down, introspection, and grounding. Let yourself rest more — it’s nature’s design.

• Plan small joys. Winter walks, candlelit dinners, creative hobbies, or cooking nourishing seasonal meals can all spark comfort and pleasure.

Final Thoughts

Winter doesn’t have to feel heavy. With mindful nutrition, daily light, movement, and nurturing routines, you can thrive — not just survive — the darker months. Think of this season as an invitation to slow down, replenish, and reconnect with yourself.

Your body and mind are incredibly adaptable — give them what they need, and they’ll support you beautifully through every season.

Nourishing Your Body: How to Boost Your Immune System Naturally

In today's fast-paced world and with flu season upon us, maintaining a robust immune system is crucial for overall well-being. Let's explore natural ways to fortify your body's defenses to promote lasting health.

10 Ways to Boost Your Immune System Naturally

1. Colourful Plate, Powerful Defense - Embrace the rainbow on your plate. Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables, as different colors often signify diverse nutrients. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants found in colourful produce contribute to a resilient immune system. Include dark leafy greens, broccoli, berries, citrus fruits, bell peppers, carrots, and tomatoes, to name a few.

2. Include Healthy Fats – Omega 3 fatty acids found in fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc.), chia seeds, flax seeds and walnuts are known to increase cellular activity that can help fight infection. Nuts and seeds are also loaded with nutrients that can help maintain your immune system. Incorporating healthy oils like avocado and olive oil will also be beneficial.

3. Key Nutrients – Be sure to consume foods that are rich in vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, iron, and lean protein (ex. chicken) as these critical for the growth and development of immune cells and for enhancing immune potential. If you are not getting enough of these nutrients in your diet, consider supplementation. I always recommend a vitamin D supplement, especially in the winter months.

• Vitamin C – citrus fruits, tomatoes, bell peppers, strawberries, papaya, broccoli, pineapple, potato, kiwi, brussels sprouts, cantaloupe, kale, and cauliflower.

• Vitamin D – fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, halibut, etc.), herring, sardines, cod liver oil, canned tuna, eggs, mushrooms, and fortified foods.

• Zinc – red meat (in moderation), shellfish, legumes/peanuts, seeds (hemp, pumpkin, sesame, etc.), nuts (pine nuts, cashews, almonds), dairy, eggs, and whole grains (wheat, quinoa, rice, oats).

• Selenium – Brazil nuts, fish, roasted ham, chicken, turkey, red meat, cottage cheese, eggs, brown rice, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, oatmeal, spinach, and cashews.

• Iron – chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, red meat, liver/organ meats, shellfish, spinach, quinoa, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, and legumes.

4. Gut Health Matters - A flourishing gut is a key player in immune function. Include probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi in your diet. These foods foster a healthy gut microbiome, supporting immune cells and promoting overall digestive wellness. A probiotic supplement would be beneficial as well.

5. Spices – consider adding some garlic, ginger, and turmeric to your cooking. These spices are known to have immune boosting properties.
6. Herbal Allies - Harness the power of nature's pharmacy by incorporating immune-boosting herbs into your routine. Echinacea, elderberry, and astragalus are renowned for their immune-strengthening properties. Consider incorporating them into teas or tinctures for a tasty and beneficial boost.
7. Hydration: The Elixir of Life - Adequate hydration is fundamental to a well-functioning immune system. Water helps flush toxins from the body and supports the transport of nutrients. Aim for at least eight glasses a day and consider adding herbal teas for extra antioxidant benefits.
8. Quality Sleep - Prioritize restful sleep as it plays a pivotal role in immune function. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a calming bedtime routine, and ensure your sleep environment promotes relaxation. Quality sleep is a cornerstone of a robust immune system.
9. Stress Management Techniques - Chronic stress can compromise the immune system. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or nature walks into your daily routine. Cultivating a sense of calm positively impacts immune health.
10. Exercise Regularly - Engage in moderate, regular exercise to enhance immune function. Whether it's brisk walks, yoga, or strength training, find an activity you enjoy. Exercise promotes circulation, supports the lymphatic system, and contributes to overall vitality. Aim for 30 minutes a day.

Remember, a holistic approach to health involves a combination of these practices. By nourishing your body with a diverse, nutrient-rich diet, prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and incorporating immune-boosting herbs, you pave the way for a resilient immune system and long-lasting well-being. Make these practices a part of your lifestyle, and watch your body thrive.

For more guidance on how to boost your immune system and to improve your overall health through nutrition and lifestyle changes, check out Thrive’s nutrition programs and services!

Get the Daily Support You Need to Reach Your Weight Loss and Overall Health Goals with a Registered Holistic Nutritionist!

As a Registered Holistic Nutritionist, I strive every day to help my clients lead a healthier, more active, and vibrant lifestyle. My goal is to provide my clients with the nutritional knowledge and tools necessary to create a healthy balanced diet and a state of overall wellbeing. I work every day to ensure that my clients are focused, happy and on track to reach their weight loss and overall health goals.

I recognize that each and every person that I work with is unique, and that they all have very different needs. Through an in depth initial assessment followed by daily contact and support, we work together to create a healthy balanced diet that my clients will enjoy and be able to maintain long term. It’s this daily communication that is the key to my client’s success, as they are held accountable each and every day for the choices that they make!

By providing my clients with the knowledge and tips necessary to improve their health and to reach their personal goals, my clients soon become their own expert and are capable of continuing independently with their journey to better health and happiness. 

Thrive’s programs are completely customized to you and your personal health and wellness goals. Your nutritional program is based on incorporating a variety of natural whole foods into your diet, reducing/eliminating processed and refined foods, and educating you on proper food combining and portion control to ensure that you are making a true lifestyle change that you will enjoy and be able to maintain long term. 

What Does Thrive’s Customized Online Nutrition Program Entail?

A NUTRITION PLAN CUSTOMIZED FOR YOUR GOALS

·       Initial Nutritional Assessment for You to Keep

·       Nutrition Plan/Guidance Customized for Your Goals

·       Grocery Lists & Shopping Tips

·       Pantry Points & Kitchen Clean Out

·       Customized Meal Plans (when requested) 

ACCOUNTABILITY TO KEEP YOU ON TRACK

·       Daily Online Support Through Email and Text to Answer Your Questions

·       Frequent Diet Review and Suggestions

·       Weekly or Bi-Weekly Phone Calls or Video Meetings to Touch Base (if needed)

·       Weekly Weight-In & Program Evaluation 

EDUCATION & TIPS TO HELP YOU MAINTAIN SUCCESS

·       Reading and Understanding Food Labels

·       How to Eat Healthy on the Run/When Dining Out

·       Recommendations on Supplemental Protocol

·       Exercise Advice and Customized Workout Programs

The initial written assessment will provide you with constructive feedback based on your current eating habits and lifestyle, and will also address any health concerns, food sensitivities and other challenges that you may have. The assessment will also contain a lot of great suggestions, tips, and recipes to get you started.

The program duration is customizable, with 6, 8, 12 or 24 week programs available depending on your needs and goals. The program is available to clients from across Canada. The online program piece makes it easy for us to work together no matter where you are located. 

With the online nutrition program, I will provide you with daily guidance, support, and motivation along with the knowledge and accountability to keep you on track as you embark on your health and wellness journey. Together we will get you to where you want to be!

Reach out today to learn more about Thrive’s customized nutrition programs and how working with a registered nutritionist can help you reach your goals and improve your overall health through nutrition and lifestyle changes!

Struggling With Fatigue? Here Are Some Natural Ways To Boost Your Energy!

what causes fatigue?

 There are so many things that could be contributing to fatigue and lack of energy each day.

• Lack of activity – exercise can boost your energy levels! Try to move and exercise every day, even if you’re tired.

• Eating too many refined carbs – carbohydrates are a great food source for quick energy, however, consuming processed carbs and refined sugars and flours can result in unstable blood sugar levels, leaving you tired and hungry. Focus on whole grains as often as you can.

• Dehydration – you need to drink enough water every day to replenish the water lost through regular bodily functions. Not drinking enough throughout the day can reduce your energy levels and your ability to focus. Stay hydrated!

• Poor sleep quality – getting a good night sleep is important, your body and mind both need it to reset and recharge.  Getting into a good sleep routine will help boost your energy levels and improve your overall mood.

• Not eating enough – your body requires a certain number of calories to fuel your body and to prevent your metabolism from slowing down. Not consuming enough calories and nutrients throughout the day can result in fatigue. Find out a healthy calorie range for your body and try not to go below it each day. Also, make sure you’re filling these calories with healthy, wholesome, and nutrient dense foods.

• Inadequate protein intake – protein helps to boost your metabolism and promotes muscle growth.  Focus on incorporating high quality proteins into diet each day to help keep your metabolism up and your energy high.

• Stress – excessive and chronic stress can lead to fatigue and reduced quality of life. Stress can be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining and can have a negative impact on how you feel each day. Try to reduce your stress levels and find healthy ways to manage and respond to stress in your life.

• Health conditions – fatigue can also be a symptom of several diseases and health issues. If your fatigue persists, make a visit to your family doctor to ensure that you are healthy and that there are no underlying medical causes for your fatigue.

what are the symptoms of fatigue?

 The symptoms of fatigue can be physical, mental or emotional and typically result in exhaustion while trying to carry out daily activities. Here are a few common symptoms:

• lack of motivation

• drowsiness

• difficulty focusing and learning

• lack of concentration

• not feeling refreshed after sleep/rest

• sore or tired muscles

• moodiness/irritability

• slowed reaction time

• GI issues

• headaches

natural ways to boost your energy levels

Nutrition

Focus on choosing whole nutrient dense foods that will help fuel your body. Also, focus on getting your three meals in and a good snack or two when you need them – ensuring that you’re eating regularly throughout the day and that you’re getting enough food/calories in, will help keep you energized (don’t skip meals). Avoiding processed foods and refined carbohydrates/sugars will also help keep your energy levels up.

Here are some foods that can help boost energy:

• Nuts (almonds and cashews are great, pistachios, pecans, walnuts, etc.) – these are packed with protein, fibre, healthy fats and nutrients that will give you a punch of energy. ¼ cup or a small handful would make a good afternoon snack.

• Natural nut butters are good to include in your diet as well. Try 1 tbsp. with an apple or banana or on a plain rice cake would be great. You can also stir into oats or include in a smoothie.

• Seeds (chia seeds, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds) are packed full of fibre, essential fats and other nutrients to boost your energy (try including these in your day, add chia or flax to your morning smoothie or sprinkle flax on eggs, try chia seed pudding, mix pumpkin seeds into a little nut mix or add to a salad). Lots of ways to enjoy seeds.

• Fatty fish – a great source of omega 3 as well as B vitamins (which are important for the body to produce energy)

• Leafy green vegetables (broccoli, bok choy, spinach, kale, etc.) – all loaded with vitamins/minerals (including B vitamins) as well as antioxidants that will help boost your energy and improve your health.

• Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, oats, spelt and whole wheat)

• Fruit is loaded with fibre and vitamins/minerals that will help increase energy levels and promote good health (avocado, blackberries, bananas, dried figs, dried prunes, pears and raspberries) – all fruit is great, try incorporating 1-2 servings a day.

• Lean Protein – a powerful energy source (eggs, chicken, fish, lean turkey, lean beef, etc.)

• Beans/Legumes (chickpeas, lentils, black beans etc.). Add these to salads or bowls or try making a healthy bean burger. Hummus is also great, 1-2 tsp. of hummus with some raw veggies would be a good little snack.

• Sweet Potato

• Dark chocolate – including a square or two of dark chocolate can help (something 75% or higher). You could try 1 square with some almonds or nuts for a snack.

 Supplements

 There are a number of different vitamins and supplements that you can take to help boost your energy levels.

• Vitamin B 12 plays a huge role in energy production in the body. It can be found naturally in some animal proteins including meat, fish and dairy. Taking a supplement would be a great for you. You can get this in a number of formats (including sublingual – under the tongue) and is inexpensive.

• Iron – this is necessary to transport oxygen to your body’s tissues. If you’re low in iron, extreme fatigue can result. Ensure that you’re incorporating a variety of iron rich foods in your diet each week (red meat, chicken/turkey and seafood are great source of iron. You can also get iron from beans, dark leafy greens, dried fruits (natural) and peas).

• Ashwagandha & Rhodiola Rosea –  these are both adaptogens (botanical supplements) which can help protect the body against the effects of mental and physical stress.

• CoQ10 – this is a powerful antioxidant that is found in every cell of your body and is need for energy production. Our body produces CoQ10 and we can also get it from our diet through certain meats, fish and peanuts. As we age, our ability to produce CoQ10 is decreased, so supplementing may be beneficial later in life.

• Magnesium and melatonin may help promote good sleep, which is essential for good health and for increasing energy levels.

• There are some combination supplements that you can buy that are formulated specifically for energy, sleep and stress.

 Although supplements may be beneficial in helping you stay alert and energized each day, they are not a substitute for what your body needs naturally – focus on getting adequate sleep, eating healthy foods, drinking lots of water and exercising daily.

Lifestyle

• Make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night. Focus on getting into a good sleep routine; get to bed at the same time each night and avoid screen time before bed.

• Keep your stress levels down and find healthy ways to manage them. Stress can make you feel tired and completely drained. Physical, emotional, and mental stress can all take a toll.

• Stay active – regular exercise can help boost your energy levels and improve your overall health.

• Don’t over pack your day – find time to relax each day.

• Stay hydrated! Keep focused on getting lots of water in each day.

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

• Yoga and mindfulness practices – this can help reduce stress, improve sleep and promote relaxation.

• Be social – get out and spend time with family and friends. This will boost your mood and enhance your overall wellbeing.

 Making a healthy lifestyle change can help improve your overall health and leave you feeling more energized and focused each day! Make your health a priority – fuel your body with the foods it’s needs each day and be sure to treat your body with love and kindness.

If you are looking for the guidance and support to help improve your energy levels and overall health, check out Thrive’s online nutrition programs!

Happy & Healthy!

I reached out to Steph in search for some one on one coaching. I needed to get back to the real "me" I had lost sight of amongst a busy career and family life. 

Based on our initial phone conversation and a thorough assessment, she set me up with a lifestyle program based on a holistic approach to weight loss. I needed the accountability of a daily check in and a cheering squad to keep me on track. She provided weekly menus, great Pinterest inspiration for meals, snacks and tips for weight loss and some wonderful home workouts that my whole family enjoyed!

When you read success stories about weight loss, many mention a total lifestyle change. I was beyond scared to make a full lifestyle change, give up what I loved (wine and bread) and be able to stay on track! Turns out, a lifestyle change also means changing the way you look at food and how it makes you feel. I had battled tummy troubles most of my adult life, having had my gallbladder removed a few years ago to add to the list if issues I was experiencing. After just 3 weeks of a steady clean diet, removing almost all dairy, replacing all fats with healthy fats and reducing my sugar and heavy carbs my stomach finally settled and I felt I could push on to lose the weight.

After the first 7 days, the pounds started to drop and I looked forward to the weekly Friday weigh ins!

Steph guided me on a 6 week journey to overhaul my diet, change my outlook on food and ultimately change the way my family ate without sacrificing the foods we all loved.

In total I've lost 21 pounds in 6 weeks! I feel incredible, I'm sleeping better, my joints move with ease and I'm loving my wardrobe again! I have a long journey ahead of me, but I feel like I have the tools in place to keep me on track.

Turns out, you can still have wine and healthy carbohydrates during the week and still lose the weight!

Thank you Steph for a program that works... if I can do it with a busy work schedule and family life, anyone can!

Stacey, Age 41

How To Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

The holiday season is upon us!🎄

This time of year can be challenging when you're trying to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Holiday parties, festive cheers, family gatherings and Christmas goodies can make it so easy to lose focus – but it doesn’t have to! Here are a few tips to help keep you healthy and on track this holiday season!

Tips to help you stay on track this holiday season

1. Eat a healthy diet – focus on eating balanced meals and snacks each day that include lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and whole grains.

2. Don’t skip meals – especially on the day that you’re planning your holiday meal. Include smaller meals and snacks throughout the day leading up to your festive dinner. This will prevent overeating and help to keep you on track.

3. Exercise – bundle up and enjoy the season! Get out for a walk or hike with the family or a friend and enjoy the cooler temperatures. Try snowshoeing, outdoor skating or cross-country skiing! Staying active will help keep your mind occupied and your weight in check and the fresh air will help reduce stress and boost your mood. Get a workout in at the gym if you can!

4. Snacking – this time of year brings lots of chocolates, baked goods and sweets to the office and the home. Be mindful of how much you’re enjoying and how often, do your best to keep the snacks out of reach and out of sight! Have healthy snacks available at all times – things like fruits, cut up vegetables, nuts/seeds and healthy bars are great to have on hand. Enjoy in moderation!

5. Portion control – it can be easy to overindulge in your holiday favourites, however, all of these extra calories can cause weight gain. Try using smaller plates or measuring out your food to ensure that you’re having proper serving sizes. Do your best not to go back for seconds and don’t be afraid to say “no thank you”.

6. Mindfulness – take a time out when you’re having your meals and snacks. Sit, relax and enjoy your food. Chew it thoroughly and pay attention to your body’s fullness signals. Sometimes distractions can cause you to overeat.

7. Watch liquid calories – during the holidays, there are lots of fun beverages to be enjoyed – eggnog, hot chocolate, festive lattes, wine and cocktails. Do your best not to drink your calories, be mindful of how much and how often you’re indulging. Enjoy in moderation! Drink lots of water – stay hydrated!

8. Sleep well – get into a good sleep routine while you’re on Christmas holidays and allow yourself to get the hours of rest that your body needs each night.

9. Reduce stress - the holidays are filled with lots of fun and cheer, but they can also be stressful. Try to find time each day to enjoy the little things, to unwind and relax.

Christmas only comes once a year, so enjoy all of the little things! Just be mindful of what you’re indulging in and how often – and don’t be too hard on yourself. Stay active and keep focused on your goals. Have a date set to get things back on track after the holidays. 🍏

If you're looking for the daily guidance, support, and accountability to help you reach your weight loss and overall health goals in the New Year, contact Steph, registered holistic nutritionist, to learn more about Thrive’s online nutrition programs!