4 Simple Ways to Make It Through the Holiday Gatherings

The holidays are officially here — which means the next few weeks are going to be full of family, food, events, travel, late nights, early mornings, and trying to squeeze a year’s worth of celebration into a few short weekends.

And while I love this season, I also know how easy it is to walk away from each gathering feeling…

❌ bloated
❌ inflamed
❌ overstimulated
❌ exhausted
❌ behind on routine

So this year, I’m taking a gentler approach — one that lets me enjoy every moment without sacrificing how I feel physically or mentally.

Here are 4 simple tips to help you make it through the season feeling lighter, clearer, and more grounded:

1. Add Protein to Your Desserts (Your Future Self Will Thank You)

This is one of my favorite holiday hacks — and hardly anyone knows about it.

You can add 1–2 scoops of The Roasted Purpose collagen protein to almost any dessert recipe:

🍪 cookies
🍰 cakes
🍫 brownies
🍞 quick breads
🥧 homemade crusts
🍨 even frosting and dips

And the best part?

👉 It doesn’t change the flavor. AT ALL.
👉 It adds protein that helps slow the sugar spike.
👉 It supports gut health + joints + skin.
👉 It helps keep you full longer.
👉 And it gives your body actual nourishment instead of just sugar.

If you're going to bake this season, this is such an easy way to make every dessert just a little more supportive of your health.

2. Have One “Non-Negotiable” Meal Per Day

This isn’t about dieting.
It’s about stability.

Choose one meal each day — breakfast, lunch, or dinner — that you know will be clean, protein-forward, and gentle on your digestion.

Why?
Because when one anchor meal is solid, your blood sugar, mood, and energy stay more balanced for the rest of the day.

For me, that’s my protein coffee in the morning.
It’s clean, quick, and it sets the tone for the entire day.

3. Don’t Stay at Every Event Until the Last Minute

You’re allowed to leave before you hit the wall.

You don’t need to apologize.
You don’t need an excuse.
You don’t need to explain to anyone why you’re listening to your body.

Your peace comes first.
And sometimes the most protective thing you can do is give yourself an exit time — and honor it.

4. Drink More Water Than You Think You Need

The holidays are full of salt, sugar, late nights, and nonstop talking — which all leave your body dehydrated.

A simple rule of thumb:
Drink a full glass of water before you arrive, and another before you leave.

It helps with:
✔ bloating
✔ digestion
✔ headaches
✔ fatigue
✔ skin
✔ and that “holiday hangover” feeling — even if you didn’t drink

Small habit, big impact.

A Gentle Reminder…

This season is supposed to be joyful — not draining.

You don’t have to be perfect.
You don’t have to say yes to everything.
And you definitely don’t have to abandon your health just because the calendar is full. - speaking to myself!

Cheers,

Joanna