We need to talk about December.

Because isn’t it easy to feel like this month is all or nothing? Either you cling tightly to every routine, or you give up and think, “I’ll deal with it after New Year’s.” I know that feeling because I’ve been there. For many years, I had a pretty complicated relationship with food and balance, and I’ve tried (and fallen for) just about everything.

But a few years ago, things started to shift. I found a way of thinking and living that isn’t based on rules, but on understanding. Something that actually works – even in December. And that’s exactly what I want to share with you here.

You can enjoy yourself and take care of yourself. At the same time.

It’s Not About Perfection – It’s About Balance

Christmas isn’t about counting every gingerbread cookie. And no, one saffron bun won’t ruin your routine. Quite the opposite. When you make space for both pleasure and nourishment, that’s when you find balance. That’s when the guilt fades. That’s when the pressure eases. That’s when you feel like you’re the one choosing.

One thing I’ve truly learned on my personal journey toward a healthy and sustainable lifestyle is that it’s not about controlling every calorie, but about understanding what my body actually thrives on. And once I know that, food becomes something that supports me – not something I struggle against.

Here’s How I Stay Balanced During the Holiday Season

1. I Plan – Without Overcomplicating Things

I like having a simple plan I can stick to during the week. That might mean eating four nutritious meals a day Monday through Friday, and allowing weekends to be more flexible. I always try to have meals prepared – it makes it so much easier to stick to what makes me feel good. Feeding your body proper nutrition daily also reduces the urge to “binge” now and then.

2. I Enjoy – Mindfully and Without “Making Up” for It

This is important to me: avoiding the trap of being super strict and then “letting loose” because I’ve “ruined everything.” That just creates a cycle of control and guilt. Now I try to fully enjoy things when I do – without making a big deal out of it. A saffron bun is just that – a saffron bun. Period.

3. You Can’t Break a Rule If There Isn’t One

Here’s something important I’ve learned: it’s better for me to eat a little of what I’m craving more often – than to hold back all week and then go overboard all at once.

Example? Instead of banning candy Monday to Friday and then eating 40 pieces on Saturday, maybe you have a few pieces here and there, no matter what day it is. Same amount (or even less) in the end – but with a much better feeling, both physically and mentally. Giving up on food rules made a huge difference in my relationship with eating.

Because when we allow ourselves to enjoy things more often, the cravings often fade. We avoid the rollercoaster of being super “good,” then going “all in,” and ending up feeling like a failure. Our energy is more stable, we sleep better, and we feel more balanced.

And maybe that’s the most important part: food should be something that makes us feel good – not something that makes us feel guilty.

4. I Move My Body – Because It Makes Me Feel Good

I don’t always have the time or energy for a long workout, but I still try to move in ways that work for me. A walk in daylight, a quick strength session, or doing physical chores (I’m happy to help shovel snow for loved ones during the holidays – win-win). Not to burn off anything, but because my body and mind love it.

What Matters Most: I Focus on What I Do Often, Not What I Do Sometimes

It’s what I do 80% of the time that really counts – not what happens at one (or five) Christmas dinners. It’s not the goal that creates the habit – it’s the habit that gets you to the goal.

Not a Member of Livity Yet?

If you want help building structure, understanding your body better, and finding a long-term balance – we at Livity are here for you. Let’s build habits that last, not rules that limit.

Feel free to save this post as a reminder throughout December. You don’t have to choose between feeling good and enjoying yourself – there’s room for both.