By Shaina Zazzaro
The holidays are a time for family, connection and celebration—but they can also derail even the most consistent health routines.
Between parties, travel and endless dessert trays, it’s easy to feel like your goals have to wait until January.
The truth is, they don’t. With a little preparation and a shift in mindset, you can enjoy the holidays and feel your best.
Start by planning ahead. Just like you schedule gift shopping or gatherings, plan your meals and movement. Don’t skip meals to “save calories” for later—it backfires. Instead, have balanced, protein-rich options during the day so you’re not starving when the party starts.
Keep healthy, ready-to-grab meals on hand. This is one of the reasons I started Effortlessly Healthy—so people could have convenient meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. Having those options ready can make all the difference when life gets busy.
Also, remember that perfection isn’t the goal—consistency is. If you have a holiday dinner, just get back to your normal routine the next day. Drink plenty of water, get in some steps, and focus on protein and vegetables. Don’t let one indulgent night turn into an all-season spiral.
Most importantly, give yourself grace. The holidays are about memories, not macros. When you focus on balance instead of restriction, you’ll head into the new year feeling strong, confident, and proud—not like you have to “start over.”
So enjoy the pie, laugh with your family, and make your health a part of the celebration this year—you deserve both.
Shaina Zazzaro is a devoted wife and mother of two, blending her roles with a passion for health and wellness. She is the owner of local meal delivery service, Effortlessly Healthy. For more information, visit www.ehmeals.com.