How to Manage Holiday Vacations

Around this time of year, I get a lot of questions on how to approach health and fitness through the holiday season. Personally, I ask myself the same questions, too.

So, today, let’s discuss how to navigate the holidays.

Before we get into practical tips, remember that the holiday season is a great time to rest, reflect, and slow down. I advise you not to impose any added pressure on yourself by rigidly adhering to a diet or training plan. Of course, that doesn’t mean I want you to throw out all the progress you made by drowning in sugar and alcohol. The key is to pursue balance. You’ve hustled hard through the year and earned this time to enjoy, hang out with loved ones, and just take time to process the life you lived in 2024.

Navigating the Holidays: Balance, Relaxation, and Reflection

The holiday season is a unique time of year—marked by celebrations, travel, and a significant break from routine. For many, it’s also one of the hardest times to maintain balance, especially when pursuing goals like fitness, weight management, or simply staying on track. Let’s explore strategies to navigate the holidays with intention and ease.

Why the Holidays Feel Like a Challenge

Starting with Halloween and continuing through to mid-January, this time of year can feel like a hurricane. The rhythm of life changes—people travel, routines shift, and the focus often leans toward indulgence and relaxation. For those with fitness goals, even maintaining current progress can feel like a win. That’s why it's important to approach this period with a clear mindset and practical strategies.

Enjoying Vacations Without Sacrificing Wellness

1. Movement Over Perfection

The key to vacation fitness is movement, not perfection. Whether you’re skiing, swimming, or simply walking more, vacations often provide natural opportunities to be active. Instead of stressing over structured workouts, embrace these moments of activity.

If you can squeeze in a morning workout before the day begins, it’s a great way to set the tone. However, give yourself permission to skip weight training if you prefer to focus on mobility, yoga, or simply unwinding. Remember, vacations are a time to recharge.

2. Nutrition: Prioritize Protein

While traveling, maintaining a protein-rich diet can help you feel balanced, even if indulgence creeps in elsewhere. Rather than snacking throughout the day, focus on two satisfying meals. Explore local cuisine, enjoy drinks if that’s part of your vacation style, and let your meals reflect your environment without straying too far from your usual goals.

Pre-Holiday Preparation

Before heading into the holidays or a vacation, aim to build momentum. This means:

• Handling lingering tasks: Whether personal or professional, tie up loose ends so they don’t weigh on your mind.

• Focusing on health habits: Increase training frequency or fine-tune your nutrition to feel your best going into this period.

• Embracing seasonal realities: With shorter days and colder weather, it’s natural to move less. Counteract this by making small, intentional adjustments—whether that’s more training sessions or aligning your diet with the season.

Post-Holiday Reset

Coming back from the holidays is the perfect time to reflect, reset, and refocus. Use the natural energy of a new year to:

1. Set clear goals: On the plane ride home or during quiet moments, jot down what you want to achieve personally and professionally in the year ahead.

2. Plan your return to routine: Schedule workouts and meal planning in advance to hit the ground running.

3. Evaluate and adjust: Reflect on the previous year—what worked, what didn’t, and how you can make changes for success.

Looking Ahead

As the holidays wind down, the New Year provides an opportunity to channel energy into fresh goals. Whether it’s fitness, career, or personal growth, use the momentum to your advantage. Balance, preparation, and reflection will help you embrace the joy of the season while staying connected to what matters most.

See you next week!