The holidays are here—cue the family gatherings, festive treats, endless to-do lists, and that subtle (or not-so-subtle) feeling of being stretched too thin. Enter Elissa Goodman: holistic nutritionist, cleanse expert, and longtime Chalkboard Mag favorite. If anyone can help us keep our glow through the chaos, it’s her.
Elissa is sharing her top tips for staying grounded and feeling good during the most hectic season of all. From stress-free resets to practical self-care hacks, her advice will help you glide through the holidays with balance and ease—and maybe even a little sparkle.
Elissa Goodman’s Top Tips for Staying Balanced during the Holidays
The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and while it’s a time for joy, family, and celebration, it’s also a time when our routines are disrupted and indulgence throws us off balance. But what if you could enjoy the festivities without sacrificing your well-being? After years of healing my own body and helping others on their health journey, I’ve put together my top tips to help you navigate the holidays while staying energized, nourished, and balanced.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
I can’t emphasize enough how crucial hydration is, especially during the holiday season. Between travel, stress, and indulgence, staying hydrated helps your body function at its best. My advice? Start your day with a glass of warm water with lemon to get digestion moving, and continue sipping throughout the day. Before you share that morning cup of coffee with your loved ones, have one cup of water – I’m begging you! Throughout the day, aim for 96 oz for women and 120 oz for men. I personally love adding Ultima to my water for a hydrating electrolyte boost!
Take Time to Breathe
The holidays can be stressful. Family dynamics, busy schedules, and the pressure to get everything right can take a toll on your well-being. Remember that stress impacts digestion and can spike your cortisol levels, throwing your hormones out of balance. Schedule time for yourself – whether that’s a morning meditation, a short walk after the meal, or simply saying no to activities that don’t serve you. When you say “yes” to everything, you’re saying “no” to self-care… and this is actually going to affect how you metabolize that Thanksgiving feast!
Get Your Steps In
The holidays might be all about feasting, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip movement. After each meal, grab a family member or friend and go for a walk. Moving your body helps with digestion and keeps your metabolism active. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with loved ones away from the table.
Be Mindful of Sugar and Dairy
Holiday treats are often loaded with processed sugar and dairy, two of the most inflammatory ingredients out there. If you’re like me and avoid these, have a game plan. Offer to bring a dish you know you can eat, like my vegan carrot cake or gluten-free coffee cake. You don’t have to miss out, but remember that there are ways to avoid the sugar crash that comes from indulging in too many sweets.
Prioritize Protein and Veggies
Especially at the beginning of your meal! Starting with protein and fiber helps slow the glucose spike that comes from carbs and those irresistible holiday desserts. Luckily, holiday meals usually include plenty of animal protein, so be sure to eat that at the start of your meal to set yourself up for balanced blood sugar and a more satisfying dining experience! Anytime you can incorporate fiber or protein, you’ll support better digestion and stay fuller for longer.
Boost Your Immunity
You don’t want to get sick this time of year—especially with so much traveling, gathering, and celebrating! Protecting your immune system is key to staying healthy and feeling your best. Incorporate these essentials into your routine to give your immunity a boost:
+ Liposomal Vitamin C: This is powerful antioxidant that supports immune defense and helps protect against illness. You can take it as a supplement or load up on vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, berries, and leafy greens.
+ Liposomal Vitamin D & K2: This one is critical during the colder months when we’re getting less sunlight. Vitamin D helps support your immune system, mood, and cognitive function – no seasonal depression here!
+ A Good Multivitamin: This is the key to filling in any nutritional gaps and ensuring your body gets the necessary vitamins and minerals to function optimally during the busy holiday season… but feel free to keep taking it in the new year! This will include Vitamin A and Zinc, which are both incredibly beneficial for your immune system as well.
+ ARMRA Colostrum: This incredible supplement is like liquid gold for your immune system. Since I started taking it, I haven’t gotten sick once—not even when my daughter had COVID!
Keep These Other Supplements on Hand Too!
+ Digestive enzymes: Take one before each meal to support digestion and help break down those heavier holiday dishes.
+ Probiotics: Don’t skip these! A strong gut microbiome will help you digest and absorb nutrients better.
+ Magnesium: Take it every night before bed to help your body reset, reduce stress, and ensure smooth digestion in the morning—essential for eliminating after rich meals.
+ Peppermint tea: Sip on this before bed to soothe your stomach and ease any bloating or discomfort from the day.
The holiday season is such a joyful time of year, and as someone who personally follows the 80/20 rule (eating clean, whole foods 80% of the time and indulging in my favorite foods and drinks 20% of the time), I don’t want you to miss out on any of the beautiful experiences this season has to offer. Remember—the stress of avoiding certain foods or worrying about their effects is often more harmful than the foods themselves. That said, these strategies can definitely help make the season smoother so you can fully enjoy it while still feeling your best.
