Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

As the holiday season kicks into full swing, there’s a common mindset I see pop up this time of year: “I’ll just wait until January.” You know the one—it’s that voice saying, “I’d love to change my habits and be healthier, but with the holidays coming up, why bother?”

Well, I’m here to tell you why you should bother.

The truth is, the more good things you do for your body now, the easier it will be to bounce back after indulging in those holiday meals. And yes, you should enjoy those meals—fully and guilt-free. But let’s remember: not every meal is a holiday feast.

It’s About Balance, Not Perfection

While the holidays are packed with celebrations, chances are you’re not having three or four parties every day. That means there’s plenty of room to make choices that support your health without giving up the things you love.

For example:

• Be mindful of your meals. Ask yourself, “Am I eating this because I really want it, or is it stress, boredom, or holiday traffic talking?” Recognizing emotional eating can help you make more intentional choices.

• Move your body. After that holiday brunch, suggest a family walk. It’s a simple way to stay active and connect with loved ones.

• Prioritize sleep. This season can get busy, but don’t skimp on rest. Sleep impacts your mood, how your body processes food, and your overall energy.

Small, simple, consistent actions like these can make a meaningful difference over the next six weeks.

Why Start Now?

If you treat your body poorly from now until January, you’ll feel it when the new year rolls around. Starting small, incremental changes today sets you up to feel better, stronger, and more prepared for bigger goals—whether you begin those tomorrow or next month.

Planning for a Stronger Future

This mindset applies not just to health but also to other areas of life—like business. Many people wind down at this time of year, but I see it as the perfect opportunity to plan and strategize.

I recently returned from a three-day planning conference, where I mapped out my 2025 launches, programs, and updates. Now, I won’t wake up on January 2nd wondering, “What’s next?” I already have a clear plan—and you can too.

Whether it’s your wellness journey or your professional goals, now is the time to build momentum. If you’re a health or fitness pro, this is a great time to reflect, brainstorm, and prepare to hit the ground running in the new year.

Let’s Kickstart Your Success

I work with individuals looking to build healthier habits and with health professionals wanting to grow thriving, sustainable businesses. If you’re ready to take the next step in either area, I’d love to chat and create a plan that works for you.

As always, I hope you live a life you love without giving up the things that bring you joy.