Holiday Traditions

Holiday traditions, oh boy! That magical time of year when we’re surrounded by jack-o’-lanterns, turkeys, twinkling lights, and… endless platters of treats that seem to whisper our names. But what if I told you we could create holiday magic without turning our bodies into human pumpkin pies or gingerbread houses?

As the Canadian holiday season starts next week with our Thanksgiving (Oct 14), it’s time to start planning and preparing. As someone who’s been through the holiday health wringer (hello, pre-diabetes and high blood pressure!), I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate the season while trying to keep your health on track. But fear not, my friend! I’ve discovered that with a little creativity and a dash of rebellion against the status quo, we can create new holiday traditions that leave us feeling festive, energized, and not stuffed like a Thanksgiving turkey.

Holiday Traditions – The Health Conundrum

Let’s face it: traditional holiday celebrations often feel like a marathon of meals, with pit stops for candy, pies, and eggnog along the way. While delicious, this food-centric approach can leave us feeling less than jolly. Our blood sugar goes on a wild rollercoaster ride, our waistbands start to protest, and we end up stressed about undoing all our hard work from the rest of the year.

But here’s the thing: holiday traditions aren’t actually just about the food. (Gasp! I know, controversial statement.) They’re about connection, joy, and creating memories. So why not focus on those aspects instead?

New Holiday Traditions: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Imagine waking up on January 1st feeling energized instead of sluggish, proud of your choices instead of planning yet another New Year’s resolution diet. That’s the power of creating new, health-focused holiday traditions. And the best part? These traditions can be even more fun and meaningful than the old ones.

So, what might these new traditions look like? Picture this: instead of trick-or-treating for candy, you’re leading a spooky Halloween scavenger hunt around the neighbourhood. Come Thanksgiving, your family is gathered around, playing gratitude games that warm the heart more than any pumpkin pie. As Christmas approaches, you find yourself giggling through a “12 Days of Fitmas” challenge, turning holiday songs into playful workouts. When New Year’s Eve rolls around, you’re creating a time capsule filled with memories and hopes, rather than focusing on midnight snacks. Throughout the season, you might find yourself bundled up for a winter wonderland photo shoot or cozied up indoors with a holiday book club, sipping on festive teas. These are just a few ideas to spark your imagination – the possibilities for creating health-focused, joy-filled holiday traditions are endless!

Keeping the Peace (and Your Sanity)

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “But what about Aunt Millie’s famous pumpkin pie? She’ll be devastated if I don’t have any!” Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here are some tips for navigating the social aspects of changing traditions:

• Be the Change: Lead by example with your enthusiasm for these new activities. Your joy might just be contagious!
• Communicate with Compassion: Share your health journey with loved ones. Most people will be supportive when they understand why these changes are important to you.
• Compromise Creatively: Find ways to honour old traditions while creating new ones.

Creating new holiday traditions doesn’t happen overnight. It’s okay to start small and gradually introduce changes. The goal isn’t to completely overhaul your holidays in one fell swoop, but to slowly shift the focus towards activities that nourish your body, mind, and relationships.

As someone who’s gone from feeling like a stuffed turkey every holiday to actually enjoying the season without health setbacks, I can tell you the effort is worth it. These new traditions have not only improved my physical health but have also deepened my connections with loved ones and created some hilarious memories along the way.

So this holiday season, Thanksgiving to New Year’s, why not unwrap the gift of new holiday traditions? Your body will thank you, your spirit will soar, and who knows? You might just start a trend that has everyone in your circle feeling merrier and brighter than ever before.

Ready to make this holiday season the healthiest and happiest yet? I’m here to support you every step of the way. Let’s chat about how we can tailor these ideas to your unique situation and create a holiday season that truly sparkles – no sugar crash required!

Satisfying Your Sweet Tooth, the Low-Carb Way

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: “But what about dessert? Holiday traditions just wouldn’t be the same without something sweet!” Well, I’ve got some good news for you. Just because we’re focusing on health doesn’t mean we have to give up on delicious treats entirely.

One of the best-kept secrets of the low-carb and keto world is that there are countless ways to recreate your favourite holiday desserts without all the sugar and carbs. Imagine sinking your teeth into rich, creamy pumpkin pie bites that won’t spike your blood sugar. Or savoring a piece of pecan pie that tastes just like the real thing but keeps you feeling great.

There’s a low-carb version of almost every holiday favourite. These desserts not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also keep you on track with your health goals. It’s like having your cake and eating it too – literally!

The best part? These low-carb desserts are often so delicious that your friends and family won’t even realize they’re “healthy.” It’s a sneaky way to introduce better choices without anyone feeling deprived. Who knows? You might even convert a few skeptics along the way!

If you’re intrigued by the idea of enjoying your favourite holiday treats without the guilt or blood sugar spikes, I’ve got something special for you. When you join my upcoming monthly membership, I provide recipes for low-carb and keto versions of holiday favourites.

These aren’t just any recipes – they’re tried and tested, delicious alternatives that I’ve perfected over years of navigating my own health journey. They’re the same recipes I use to keep myself on track during the holidays while still fully enjoying all the flavours of the season.

Don’t let another holiday season pass by feeling deprived or guilty. Let’s work together to create new holiday traditions that nourish your body and satisfy your taste buds. Your future self will thank you when you’re ringing in the New Year feeling energized, healthy, and proud of your choices.