Simple Habits for a Healthy December
The week after Thanksgiving can feel like a blur—leftover pie in the fridge, holiday calendars filling up quickly, and the quiet hum of Christmas prep already underway. It’s a joyful time, but it can also be the stretch where healthy habits get pushed aside. The good news? A few simple shifts this week can help you feel refreshed, energized, and steady as you move into December.
- Lighten Up Without “Dieting”
After days of heavier meals and grazing on leftovers, your body naturally welcomes something fresher. Instead of thinking about restriction, think about balance. Add color to your plate—salads, roasted veggies, citrus fruits, broth-based soups—and choose lean proteins to ground you. Just these small tweaks help you feel lighter without feeling like you’re in “get back on track” mode. 
- Hydrate Before You Hustle
Holiday errands, decorating, shopping, gatherings—it all adds up. Many people feel tired or crave more sweets simply because they’re dehydrated. Carry a reusable bottle with you this week. Aim for two full bottles before sundown. If plain water feels boring, add a squeeze of lemon, a few berries, or a splash of sparkling water for something festive.
- Keep Movement Simple and Seasonal
You don’t need long workouts this week—consistency is better than intensity. A 20-minute walk among the remaining fall leaves, a quick strength circuit at home, or stretching while watching a Christmas movie all count. Think of movement as a reset, not a chore. Bonus: walking after dinner helps with digestion and steadies blood sugar.
- Create a “December Game Plan” Now
Before the pace picks up, take five quiet minutes to jot down what helps you feel your best: earlier bedtimes, easy meals, saying “yes” to fewer obligations, or getting outside daily. This becomes your personal guide for December—the month moves fast, but your habits don’t have to slide.
- Sprinkle in Simple Swaps
You don’t need to overhaul anything—just make tiny, intentional swaps:
- Swap one treat for a cup of spiced herbal tea.
- Swap heavy lunches for lighter protein-and-veggie bowls.
- Swap mindless snacking for a walk around the block.
These small steps add up more than you think. 
- Don’t Skip the Joy
Health doesn’t mean saying no to the season. Enjoy the cookies, the gatherings, the cozy foods—you just don’t have to enjoy all of them at once. Choose your favorites and savor them slowly. A mindful moment with a special holiday food often feels better than three rushed ones.
A gentle reminder for the week ahead:
You don’t need a big reset or a strict plan. Just steady, nourishing choices that help you feel good as December unfolds. Small habits are powerful ones—especially during the holidays.
Much love,
Health Coach Carol
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is time for home.” ~ Edith Sitwell