7 Simple Ways to Feel Confident Around Food This Holiday Season

Let’s be real: the holidays are magic... and also kind of a minefield when it comes to food, body image, and emotional overload. For anyone who's ever thought, “I’ll just deal with it in January,”—this post is your permission slip to do things differently this year. No guilt. No restriction. No spiraling.

Just confidence, grounded in science-backed mindset shifts, practical nutrition tools, and a little bit of sass.

Whether you're vegan or plant-based and navigating the "where's your protein?" questions, or simply tired of feeling like food is a battlefield, I’ve got you.

Let’s build that holiday food confidence together.

1. Give Yourself Full Permission to Enjoy

This one is first for a reason: it’s the keystone of holiday food confidence.

When you tell yourself you can’t have something, you create a craving loop. When you give yourself permission to eat it? You engage from choice, not rebellion.

Before eating a treat, ask yourself:

• Do I truly want this?

• How much will feel satisfying?

• Can I slow down and enjoy it fully?

When you're in the driver’s seat with food, you're not white-knuckling your way through parties—you’re participating with ease.

✨ New mantra: “I choose this.” Not “I shouldn’t.”

2. Build a Balanced Plate (and Don’t Stress About It)

Here's a formula that keeps your energy up, blood sugar steady, and cravings at bay without overthinking.

🟢 ½ plate: veggies or fiber-rich foods

🔵 ¼ plate: plant powered protein

🟠 ¼ plate: carbs or holiday favorites

🎁 Add a treat mindfully

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about creating stability so you can actually enjoy your food—and your people.

Think of it like scaffolding, not a diet. It supports you, not suffocates you.

3. Eat Mindfully—Yes, Even at a Buffet

Mindful eating isn’t about chewing 43 times or closing your eyes to “connect with your Brussels sprouts.” It’s about being present enough to notice how your body feels.

Mini-tools to try:

• Take a deep breath before your first bite

• Put your fork down between bites

• Pause mid-meal and ask: “Am I still hungry or just vibing?”

• Wait 10 minutes before going back for seconds

Simple? Yes. Easy to forget in the chaos of Aunt Elizabeth's stuffing? Also yes. But worth practicing—every single time.

4. Know Your Triggers + Set the Tone for the Day

If you’ve ever skipped meals to “save calories” and ended up elbow-deep in pumpkin pie (or like me, the entire hummus and nut tray), you’re not alone.

Common holiday triggers include:

• Skipping meals

• “Sweets and treats everywhere” syndrome

• Pressure to eat or justify your choices

• Stress eating from social tension

Get ahead of them by asking yourself:

• How do I want to feel today?

• What tends to trip me up?

• What will help me feel steady?

Make a plan for your energy, not just your meals.

5. Practice Gentle Boundaries (Yes, You Can Say No)

Let’s normalize not people-pleasing with your plate. You do not owe anyone an explanation for what you eat—or don’t.

And you don’t need to be rude to be firm.

Here are some sassy-but-kind scripts you can borrow:

• “That looks amazing! I’ll grab some later.”

• “I’m full right now, but thank you!”

• “I’m making choices that help me feel my best this week.”

You don’t need a dramatic exit. You just need language that supports your integrity.

💡 Pro tip: Practice these ahead of time. Confidence loves preparation.

6. Choose 1–3 “Quick Wins” Per Day

We don’t build confidence through perfection. We build it through small, repeated actions that align with who we want to be.

Here are some easy wins you can use:

✅ Eat one treat intentionally (no mindless grazing)

✅ Add veggies to each meal

✅ Drink water before snacking

✅ Pause and check your hunger signals

✅ Enjoy a gathering without guilt (celebrate this win!)

You don’t need to do all of them. Just pick a few each day. Consistency > intensity.

6.5 [Special Note] Vegan or Fully Plant-Based? Here’s How to Navigate the Holidays Like a Pro

If you’re vegan or fully plant-based, the holidays can add a whole extra layer of food stress.

Limited options. Unwanted food convos. Hosts panicking. Being told to “Just eat around the meat" and so much more. I see you, I am you —and after 35 years navigating this, here are a few things I've learned to stay aligned with your goals and values.

🌱 Plant-Based Holiday Confidence Tips:

• Eat before you go: Especially if it’s a cocktail party or unknown menu. Don’t show up ravenous and don't assume there will be something you can eat.

• Bring your own: Make or bring a protein-rich, satisfying dish to share.

• Call ahead: If dining out, ask what’s on the menu—then bring backup if needed.

• Be proactive with hosts: If it’s an intimate gathering, let them know ahead of time that you’ll be bringing something. It relieves pressure and shows consideration.

• Don’t apologize: You’re allowed to eat in alignment with your goals and values. FULL STOP.

• Prep for mindset moments: Meaning food Talk (and/or Unwanted Commentary)

  Food will be a topic. Some people might get curious, others might get... weird. Occasionally, someone might even get a little pushy or confrontational.

  Here’s the truth: you don’t owe anyone a debate about your food choices.

  At the same time, you’re not required to sit there and get steamrolled by passive-aggressive comments or unsolicited food stories.

  Instead, try this:

  • Disengage gracefully: “I’d love to catch up about something else—how’s work/school/etc. going?”

  • Redirect the energy: “I’m good with what I’m eating, thanks for asking!”

  • Exit with kindness: “Excuse me—I need to check on something.”

  If you do feel someone is genuinely curious, and the moment feels right, go ahead and have a real, honest conversation. But let it be on your terms—not out of guilt or pressure to justify yourself.

  🎯 Bottom line: You know your “why.” That’s what matters most.

Remember, this is one day. Do your best. Leave the rest. And don’t let food—or people—steal your joy.

7. If It Doesn’t Go As Planned—Reset, Don’t Spiral

Things won’t always go to plan. That doesn’t mean you “blew it.” It means you’re human.

Here’s your quick reset checklist:

💧 Hydrate

🚶 Move your body (walk, dance, stretch)

🍽 Eat your next balanced meal (no skipping or “making up for it”)

🧠 Reflect with curiosity, not shame

🆕 Remember: “That meal doesn’t define me. My next choice does.”

Get out of the all-or-nothing trap and step into alignment over perfection.

✨ Final Thoughts: Confidence > Control

You don’t need another rule or 30-day holiday challenge.

You need tools. You need truth. And most importantly, you need to remember: you can trust yourself.

Let’s not spend another holiday season negotiating with food or bargaining with our bodies.

Let’s live. Let’s eat well. Let’s enjoy. Let’s take the pressure off.

You don’t need to “get through” the holidays. You deserve to move through them feeling proud, grounded, and good in your own skin.

📥 Want the Full Confidence Checklist?

Grab your free Holiday Eating Confidence PDF + Checklist right here:👉 

Stick it on your fridge, screenshot it, or send it to a friend who needs it too.This season? You’ve got this. And I’ve got you.

Xo,

~Nancy