How to Eat, Drink and Still Feel Great
In Good Health | written by: LINDA STEPHENS
Photo courtesy Ginger Jordan/Unsplash
THE HOLIDAYS IN DARIEN arrive with a special kind of magic—twinkling shop windows on the Post Road, cozy gatherings that stretch late into the night and tables filled with dishes we wait all year to enjoy. It’s a beautiful season meant for celebration, connection and yes—good food and festive cocktails.
But for many of us (especially women in our 40s, 50s and beyond), this season can trigger anxiety about weight gain, energy crashes and feeling “off” in our own skin. Our bodies work differently now. Hormonal changes, increased stress and busy schedules can make it feel like we need to choose between enjoying the season or staying healthy.
I’m here to tell you: You can absolutely have both. With a few smart strategies, you can savor every bite and toast away without ending the year feeling depleted. Here’s how:
Prioritize Protein (Even at Parties)
Protein is your best friend during the holidays. It helps balance blood sugar, supports metabolism and keeps cravings in check. Whether you’re heading to a cocktail party or hosting a dinner, make protein your foundation:
• Shrimp cocktail, turkey slices, smoked salmon
• Skewers, nuts, bean dip, deviled eggs
• Cheese and charcuterie, balanced with fruits or veggies
Some simple rules of thumb: build your plate around protein first, then add your favorite festive food and never go to a party starving.
Have a “Better Cocktail Strategy”
Alcohol often leads to sleep disruption, hot flashes, weight gain and sugar cravings. You don’t need to skip the celebration just drink smarter:
• Choose spirits with club soda and citrus instead of sugary mixers.
• Alternate every drink with a glass of water.
• Stop drinking two to three hours before bed.
Mocktails are having a major moment too so consider ordering something bubbly with fresh herbs or a splash of cranberry. You still get the cheers, without the crash.
Savor Mindfully (It Makes Food Taste Better)
The holidays are filled with those once-a-year delights. So, don’t skip your favorite pie or your aunt’s famous casserole. Instead, treat them with intention and savor them fully. (Research shows that the first few bites deliver the most enjoyment.)
• Choose what you truly love.
• Sit down to enjoy each bite.
• Put your fork down between tastes.
Move for Your Mood—Not to Earn Food
Movement shouldn’t be punishment for eating treats. Instead, think of it as a gift to your energy, immune system and overall happiness.
Quick holiday-friendly ways to stay active:
• A brisk walk with a friend along the shoreline or in one of our great parks.
• Strength training two to three times a week (even 20 minutes counts).
• Stretching before bed to unwind and support restorative sleep.
One of the best holiday health strategies is simply continuing your routine, even if it’s shorter than usual.
Prioritize Sleep Like It’s a Holiday Event
Poor sleep raises hunger hormones and increases cravings for sugary foods—just what we don’t need when cookies are everywhere. Support better rest with magnesium before bed, chamomile tea and avoiding screens in the hour or two before sleep. If a party runs late, give yourself permission to scale back the next day. Recovery is self-care.
Let Go of Guilt—It Has No Place at Your Holiday Table
Food is more than fuel during the holidays. It is tradition, memory and love. Instead of stressing over perfection:
• Enjoy what brings you joy.
• Move your body when you can.
• Stay hydrated.
• Return to your healthy rhythm the next day.
What matters most is the overall pattern, not any single meal or event.
Celebrate Yourself
Perhaps the most important piece of holiday wellness is kindness to your body, your health journey and your spirit. The holidays are a reminder of what truly matters: community, connection and being fully present with the people we love. So use this guide to eat, drink, laugh and really live the holiday season. You deserve to enjoy it and still feel great.
Linda Stephens, M.S. Nutritionist, Darien Resident and Owner, Linda Stephens Fitness, LLC. / www.lindamstephens.com.
