This post is in partnership with The Crusher Wines, but all opinions are mine, as always!
December is HERE and the holiday season is definitely in full force! I’m only in LA for two more weekends before I head home for the holidays, but I can tell you that those are (at least) four JAM packed days of holiday parties.
Instead of preaching on here and telling you to “eat before you go so you can avoid the food” or “limit dessert to one bite,” I’m going to give you the REAL deal, at least from my view. The holidays come ONCE a year, and it’s my faaavorite time of year, no less. Food and drinks bring people together during this time, so you bet your cute booty I’m gonna enjoy myself. I will 100% eat what I want (as long as I know it won’t make my stomach hurt) and accept the fact that hey, my jeans might fit a little tighter come Christmas. But you know what? That’s why leggings and fit n’ flare dresses exist?
Because this is a “healthy living” blog, and I do try to live a healthy life, I want to tell you how I keep things balanced this time of year. After all, being “healthy” is really all about balance in my opinion. And by that, I essentially just mean tradeoffs. For example, you have a green smoothie in the morning knowing that you might not have as many greens later that day. Or, you’ll absolutely want to stuff your face at the open bar/dinner buffet that work is throwing for everyone that night, so you make sure you just get in a sweat sesh that morning. Easy?peasy?
I do NOT believe in limiting myself. I do NOT believe that holiday parties should make me think any harder than I already do about trying to stay on track with my health goals. Because let’s face it, anxiety around eating and drinking during the holiday season just causes mental health issues, which is no bueno either. I WILL try the desserts because they’re my favorite thing ever and yes, I WILL have a glass or two of The Crusher Wines Cabernet Sauvignon because it’s DELICIOUS.
Here are 4 simple ways I like to keep things as balanced as I possibly can during the holiday season:
1. Move my body (preferably with friends!) – I am alwayssss a fan of pairing my fitness with friend time! Classes are usually attended with my workout buddies (hi Pam, Alycia and Audrey!!), and since some of my friends are actually instructors (hi Keely and Lindsay!), going to take their classes really just feels like a fun play date. Since I definitely like to keep up my fitness routine during the holidays, if not amp it up even more so, I’ll make as many of my friend dates include movement as possible! Some of my favorite options: hikes, coffee walks, pilates or barre class, and yoga + smoothie dates! If you work hard, you can play hard?
2. Indulge! Seriously. – Holiday food and drinks are my favorite, but in moderation! Besides, if I deprive myself, I’m one of those people who will later go HAM either because I feel like I need to “reward” myself or need to shovel it all in at once before it’s too late. I think it’s 110% okay to enjoy the things that make you happy around the holiday season, like a glass of your favorite wine!
3. Opt for lower calorie/lower sugar alcoholic drinks – I usually don’t drink more than a glass of wine a week, but around the holidays? I LOVE to unwind with my boyfriend and best friends over a bottle of wine, my favorite Christmas movie, a candle, and most likely dessert (you know me!). Whether I’m cozied up at home or out at a holiday party, I just try to make sure I’m choosing options that have less sugar like The Crusher Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Red Wine Blend. I won’t lie to you, their Chardonnay is my absolute FAVE, and that’s totally fine too, but I prefer to save my sweet tooth for all the desserts ?
4. Swap some of my favorite treats for healthier options – You’ll notice the platter pictured in this post does not have cheese on it…like WHAT WHO AM I AND WHERE DID JORDAN GO. I know, I know, cheese is the BEST. I’m so thankful I’m not lactose intolerant #bless. But that being said, I know that I tend to go overboard with the cheese so instead, I opt for things like fresh veggies, fruit, and hummus when I can! Cheese is still a thing for sure, I just try to do it less often.
So those are just four super chill ways I try to keep things ? over here during the holiday season. I know it’s not easy – eating healthy in general is stressful and adding a bunch of social gatherings into the mix can really throw us for a loop, but just do your best to have FUN without overthinking it, okay?
Whether it’s for yourself, someone you need a gift for, or even the hostess of the next party in your calendar, I couldn’t possibly recommend The Crusher Wines more! I rarely say this about wine, but EVERY single varietal they offer is out of control delicious. If you’d like to try some for yourself here in LA, check your local Sprouts or Costco, or you can visit this store locator and type in your zip code to find where The Crusher Wines is offered near you! And don’t forget to let me know your favorite once you try it ?