142 ~ Surviving the Holidays II

In this episode I dive into part two of my holiday survival series. This stretch between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can feel chaotic, emotional, and full of food that pushes every button you’ve got. So I’m sharing the tools, mindset shifts, and strategies that actually help you stay grounded instead of getting swept into the holiday eating vortex.

I talk about the power of incentives and why giving yourself small rewards is not cheating. It’s strategy. Whether it is a long soak in the tub or a quiet movie alone, those incentives can carry you through stressful family dinners or long holiday events.

You’ll hear me break down one of my biggest safety nets too. No grazing. No walking and chewing. No standing at the fridge door while grabbing bites. Getting food on a plate and being present with what you are eating is one of the best ways to stay satisfied and in control.

I also walk you through navigating holiday triggers, from difficult relatives to happy memories to grief that sneaks up out of nowhere. I share how I am preparing for my first Christmas without my grandmother and how planning ahead makes a huge difference.

Then we get into the mindset traps. The “I’ll start after Christmas” trap. The “this is my last holiday before I get serious” trap. The “I already messed up so I might as well quit” trap. I help you see those patterns clearly so you can stop falling into them.

Before wrapping up, I offer two tools you can use if the holiday week feels like a true emergency. Weekly calorie spacing, which I don’t normally recommend but explain safely if you choose to use it, and going to maintenance calories for the week between Christmas and New Year’s so you can enjoy the season without losing control.

This episode is all about empowerment, calm, and clarity. You don’t have to dread the holidays or feel like you’re walking into a trap. You can enjoy Christmas, enjoy the people you love, and come out of it proud of the choices you made.