How to Stay on Track Without Starting Over This Holiday Season

By Erica F. Perusse, MS

The holidays are a wonderful time for gathering, celebrating, and making memories, but they can also feel like a time when healthy habits slip away. Between travel, events, and the constant flow of festive foods, it is easy to think you will “start again” in January. The truth is, you do not have to start over. You can stay on track and still enjoy the season without guilt or restriction. These holiday nutrition tips can help you keep your momentum while still enjoying everything you love.

Meet Mary, a NWE Signature Client

At 69 years old, Mary had been a WW Lifetime Member for years and is dedicated to maintaining her weight to support her long-term health. She works a sedentary job but was getting in her movement with her dog at least a mile each day. Mary enjoys a glass or two of wine with dinner several nights a week and attended her WW meetings for accountability.

When we started working together, Mary’s goals were clear. She wanted to increase her protein intake, manage food sensitivities, and build her upper body and core strength. Her biggest challenge was having the patience to stick with a plan and not expect immediate results.

We focused on consistency over perfection, especially during the holidays. Instead of chasing new habits or strict rules, we leaned into small, realistic steps that support her lifestyle year-round.

Start Small and Stay Consistent

The holidays should not be the time to add complicated rules or brand-new routines. It is about sustaining what is already working and making small refinements. At Nourished with Emily, we believe in building healthy habits that last a lifetime. For Mary, that meant continuing her daily walks, staying consistent with her PCC meals (Protein + Carb + Color), and focusing on achievable nutrition goals. Small, consistent actions like these make all the difference and help you stay on track during the holidays.

Lean Into Quick Helpers to Stay Balanced

When life gets busy, your nutrition should not suffer. Keep easy meal helpers on hand such as pre-cooked proteins, frozen vegetables, or microwavable grains. A meal like rotisserie chicken with microwaved rice and steamed veggies still supports PCC even on hectic days. At Nourished with Emily, we focus on practical, sustainable holiday eating strategies that nourish your body without overcomplicating your life.

Signature Clients and Nourished Membership Clients have access to a growing recipe collection filled with simple, balanced options that make staying on track easier. These practical tools help you feel supported, nourished, and confident, even during the busiest season.

Use Meaningful Checkpoints (Beyond the Scale)

Success is not just about weight. It is about how you feel, how your clothes fit, your energy, and your ability to move comfortably. Beyond the scale, it is important to ask yourself simple, guiding questions such as:

• What can I add to my meal? Am I missing a protein, carb, or color?

• Have I gotten in enough water throughout the day?

• What movement felt enjoyable this week?

  These reflections help you stay mindful, celebrate progress, and adjust before habits slip. For Mary, these checkpoints keep her aligned with her goals of increasing protein intake, managing food sensitivities, and building upper body and core strength. Taking just a few minutes each day to check in helps her celebrate non-scale wins and stay consistent.

Give Yourself Grace and Make Memories

The holidays are meant for connection and joy, not guilt. Mary continues to enjoy her favorite meals, spend time with her husband, and move in ways that feel good. She has maintained her goal weight, improved her lipid labs, and is working on her relationship with alcohol. She also enjoys staying active with her husband, which makes movement feel fun and meaningful. With accountability through her NWE program, she has stayed focused, consistent, and confident in her progress.

This is the kind of sustainable balance we teach at Nourished with Emily. Your habits should support your life, not fight against it.

You Do Not Have to Do It Alone

If you are ready to stop starting over and build a path that supports you through the holidays and beyond, time to start working with us inside our Signature Nutrition Coaching Program. Set up your free goal setting call to get started with us. With support, community, resources, and accountability, we help you stay consistent, confident, and nourished, even during the busiest season of the year.