Start the New Year With No Regrets

The holidays are meant to fill your heart, not drain your health. This year, instead of ending December feeling bloated, inflamed, and exhausted, you get to choose a different story: one where you step into January clear-headed, energized, and proud of how you cared for your body and the people you love.

Shift the focus: people over plates

So much holiday messaging tells you the season is all about the food and the drinks, but the memories you actually keep are about connection. Think about the conversation with a loved one you rarely see, the board game that got everyone laughing, the snowy walk after dinner, or decorating cookies with the kids. Those are the moments that last, and they do not depend on a sugar coma or a bottle of wine.

This year, try planning gatherings around activities instead of menus:

• A family walk to see lights or a hike before brunch.
• Game nights, puzzles, or dancing in the living room.
• Crafting, baking, or cooking together with healthier recipes as the “project,” not the main event.

Ditch the “I’ll fix it in January” trap

The “I’ll start over on January 1” mindset is one of the biggest reasons people arrive in the new year feeling regretful, inflamed, and two steps behind. When you tell yourself that the holidays “don’t count,” you disconnect from your long-term goals and from how your body feels day to day. That disconnect is what leads to overeating, overdrinking, and then a desperate urge to “detox” or punish yourself in January.

Instead, bring your future self into the room right now. Ask: “How do I want to feel on January 2?” Clear, rested, and strong—or sluggish, puffy, and starting from a deficit? Every small choice moves you toward one of those outcomes, and it is never all-or-nothing. You can absolutely enjoy holiday foods and still protect your energy, your gut, and your hormones.

Simple holiday health boundaries that actually feel good

Rather than rigid rules, think in terms of gentle, loving boundaries that make it easier to take care of yourself and still participate fully:

• Eat regular meals so you don’t arrive at parties starving and vulnerable to overeating.
• Build a balanced plate: plenty of non-starchy vegetables, quality protein, and a small portion of your favorite treats.
• Decide ahead of time how many drinks or sweets feel good in your body—and keep that promise to yourself.
• Schedule movement into the holidays, even if it’s just a daily 10–20 minute walk with family.
• Protect your sleep as much as possible, because low sleep drives cravings and emotional reactivity.

These boundaries are not about restriction; they are about supporting your nervous system so you can actually enjoy the people around you rather than battling blood sugar crashes and brain fog.

Celebrate with food that loves you back

One of the most empowering shifts you can make is choosing holiday food that feels like a celebration in the moment and the next day. You do not have to choose between “fun holiday treats” and “foods that support healing.” Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Laleh’s emails to receive delicious, health-supportive recipes and smarter alternatives—delivered straight to your inbox.