The holiday season is here, and with it comes a never-ending parade of delicious foods: cookies, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pies — it’s hard to resist. And let’s face it, the temptation to stray from your healthy eating plan is real. But don’t worry! You don’t have to abandon your goals just because the feasts are flowing. With a little strategy and mindset shift, you can enjoy the holiday spread without guilt or derailing your progress.

Here’s how to stay on track with your healthy eating plan during holiday feasts and still have a blast:

1. Plan Ahead and Stay Mindful

Before you dive into any holiday gathering, take a moment to think about your goals and what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to maintain your current weight? Maybe you want to focus on staying energized and avoiding that post-meal slump? Whatever your goal is, remind yourself before you step into the holiday party. Visualizing your success helps set a mindful tone and can curb impulsive eating.

2. Fill Up on Healthy Foods First

One of the easiest tricks to avoid overeating is filling up on healthy, nutrient-dense foods first. Start with a plate of leafy greens, roasted veggies, or a healthy protein like turkey (without the skin). When you fill up on these foods first, you’re less likely to overeat the rich and calorie-dense options later on. Plus, these foods help stabilize blood sugar and keep you feeling full longer.

3. Enjoy in Moderation

It’s not about restricting yourself entirely, but practicing moderation. You don’t need to skip the mashed potatoes or your aunt’s famous pie — just be mindful of portion sizes. Instead of loading your plate, opt for smaller servings of your favorite holiday dishes. You can savor each bite without overindulging. The key is enjoying the flavors without feeling stuffed.

4. Stay Hydrated

It’s easy to forget about water when there’s so much delicious food and festive drinks around. But staying hydrated is essential, especially during the holidays. Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger, leading you to eat when you don’t actually need to. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and especially before meals to help curb overeating. Try having a glass of water before reaching for that second helping.

5. Balance Your Plate

A great rule of thumb for keeping your plate balanced is aiming for a variety of food groups. Half your plate should be filled with vegetables, a quarter with lean protein (like turkey or fish), and the other quarter with a whole grain or starch. This not only gives you the nutrients you need but also helps you stay satisfied and energized without feeling deprived. Balance helps you stick to your healthy eating plan while still indulging in your holiday favorites.

6. Don’t Skip Meals

It might seem like a good idea to skip meals during the day to “save up” for the big holiday dinner, but that strategy often backfires. You end up overly hungry and more likely to overeat. Instead, eat small, balanced meals throughout the day to keep your metabolism steady and hunger in check. A light breakfast or healthy snack before a holiday meal can also help prevent overeating when the big meal comes around.

7. Mind Your Drinking

Holiday cocktails can be a sneaky source of extra calories. It’s easy to sip your way through a few sugary drinks without even realizing it. Opt for lighter cocktails, like a glass of wine or a simple spritzer with soda water, or alternate alcoholic beverages with water to stay hydrated. Be mindful of how many drinks you have, as they can quickly add up in calories.

8. Move Your Body

The holidays are a time of relaxation, but that doesn’t mean you can’t fit in some movement. If you have a big meal coming up, try to get some exercise beforehand, whether it's a brisk walk, a quick workout, or a fun holiday activity like ice skating. Physical activity helps boost metabolism, burn off extra calories, and keep you feeling more energized.

9. Be Kind to Yourself

It’s easy to get caught up in perfectionism during the holidays. Remember, one indulgent meal won’t ruin your healthy eating plan. If you overeat or choose a heavier dish, don’t beat yourself up about it. The key is to get back on track at the next meal. Progress is all about consistency, not perfection. Enjoy the moment, and remember that one meal is just a small part of your overall journey.

Staying on track with your healthy eating plan during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful or restrictive. By planning ahead, filling up on healthy foods, practicing moderation, staying hydrated, and moving your body, you can enjoy all the festive flavors without feeling guilty. The holidays are about enjoyment, so don’t let food-related stress steal the fun. You’ve got this!