The holiday season is a time for family, celebration, and food. From turkey and mashed potatoes to Christmas cookies, the weeks between November and January can make it challenging to maintain healthy habits. But enjoying the holidays doesn’t have to mean abandoning your nutrition goals. With a few smart strategies, you can savor the season’s best dishes while still feeling your best.

One of the simplest ways to stay balanced during the holidays is to focus on portion sizes. Rather than skipping your favorite dishes, use a smaller plate and fill half of it with fruits or vegetables before adding the heavier items. Start with a modest serving — you can always go back for more if you’re still hungry. Eating slowly and putting your fork down between bites helps your body recognize when it’s full, preventing that uncomfortable “holiday food coma.”

Another helpful tactic is to be intentional about indulgences. Choose the dishes that truly mean something to you — maybe your grandmother’s stuffing or your favorite pumpkin pie — and skip the ones that don’t hold the same sentimental value. By prioritizing what you love most, you can enjoy traditional flavors without overdoing it.

Small ingredient changes can make a big difference in calorie count and nutrition. For example:
● Mashed potatoes: Try blending half potatoes with half cauliflower for a lighter texture and fewer carbs. You’ll also add some extra fiber and nutrients.
● Green bean casserole: Swap the fried onions for toasted almonds and use a reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup.
● Stuffing: Use whole-grain or sourdough bread and add diced vegetables like celery, carrots, and mushrooms to boost fiber and nutrients.
● Desserts: Replace butter or oil with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt in baked goods.

If you’re looking for store-bought shortcuts that still align with your holiday health goals, Strack & Van Til carries several better-for-you options from KeHe Distributors — a leader in natural and specialty foods. Try Banza or Explore Cuisine pastas for protein-rich, gluten-free alternatives to traditional noodles, or Lundberg Family Farms Rice & Grain Blends for hearty texture and whole-grain nutrition. Siete Grain-Free Tortillas and Chips offer clean, allergen-friendly ingredients, while Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers or Baking Mixes provide nutrient-dense, lower-carb ways to enjoy snacks and holiday treats. And when it comes to dressings, Primal Kitchen delivers heart-healthy replacements for creamy sauces without sacrificing flavor.

As Aurelija Barnett, Key Account Manager at KeHe Distributors, reminds us: “Wellness isn’t about perfection; it’s about the small choices that add up to lasting change.” By making mindful swaps like these, you can enjoy your favorite flavors throughout the holidays and carry those healthy habits into the new year.

During the holidays, heavier meals and disrupted routines can leave you feeling sluggish. A few targeted supplements can help support digestion and energy levels:
● Probiotics promote healthy gut bacteria that aid in digestion and can reduce bloating after big meals.
● Digestive enzymes help your body break down fats and carbohydrates more efficiently.
● Omega-3s from fish oil or plant-based sources can reduce inflammation, which often increases when eating more processed or high-sugar foods.
● Vitamin D and B-complex vitamins can support energy and immune function — especially important during the colder, darker months.

Always check with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before adding new supplements, especially if you take prescription medications or have health conditions.

Healthy holiday eating isn’t just about the food on your plate — it’s also about how you approach the season. Try these mindful strategies to stay balanced. Don’t skip meals before a big gathering. Eating a balanced breakfast with protein and fiber can help you avoid overeating later. An omelet loaded with veggies gives you a good dose of protein, fiber, and nutrients.

Stay hydrated. Water supports digestion and helps you recognize true hunger. If you are consuming alcohol, alternate a glass of water with each alcoholic beverage. Move more. Take a walk after dinner, play with the kids, or help with cleanup — light activity helps digestion, balances blood sugar levels, and keeps your energy up. Plan ahead. If you’re hosting, prepare a mix of traditional favorites and lighter dishes so everyone can enjoy a variety of options.

Perhaps the most important part of healthy holiday eating is remembering that perfection isn’t the goal. One meal, or even a few days of indulgence, won’t derail your overall wellness. The key is returning to your balanced habits afterward — stocking up on fresh produce, lean proteins, and healthy snacks at your local Strack & Van Til, and remembering that food is more than fuel. It’s also a way to connect, celebrate, and share joy.

So this holiday season, enjoy your favorite recipes, try a few new healthy twists, and focus on feeling good — both during and after the celebration. With a little mindfulness and preparation, you can keep your health goals on track while still savoring everything the holidays have to offer.