10Health Practitioners Dish Out Their Best Advice for Helping Clients Navigate the Holiday Season

Summer ends, hello food-filled holiday season!

No matter what you celebrate you cannot deny that October to January is generally filled with food, alcohol, and social gatherings, which means that it can be very tricky for health coaches and practitioners to ensure their clients are sticking to their plans and protocols.

But, does the holiday season really have to be so strict?

Can our clients find success with fluid plans, guidance, and support instead of strict plans and the dos and don’ts of healthy living?

We’ve connected with 4 practitioners to learn how they are working with their clients through the busy holiday season to ensure that everyone is healthy, happy, and remains motivated for success. Check out these amazing tips!

Practitioner’s advice on keeping clients healthy through the holidays

#1. Give your clients the tools to make healthy swaps when needed

Can your clients enjoy healthier options during parties or holiday events? Absolutely! Beth Moser advises providing our clients with easy-swaps that allow them to stay consistent without removing their favorite foods.

“The holidays are a time to enjoy special time with friends and family. When planning your menu list you can plan a heavier plant-based spread for your guest. Looking for healthy cocktails/mocktails? Try Pelegrino with frozen raspberries to add a real natural flavor plus antioxidants then add a fresh lime. Have it as a mocktail or add vodka!’

Holidays wouldn't be complete without some sweet treats. Swap out these ingredients for some healthier options: Brown sugar for Maple Syrup, Butter/Vegetable Oil for Coconut Oil, and for gluten-free swap out White Flour for Cassava Flour.”

Beth is a certified health and wellness coach who got certified through Dr. Sears Wellness Institute. Check out her website and social links.

#2. Stay hydrated and never shop on an empty stomach

Martha McDuff is recommending keeping your clients full and guiding them through mindful choices. She says that she always tells her clients to stay hydrated and never shop on an empty stomach. This can help you avoid buying excess candy and sweets and help you realize when a craving isn’t a craving but instead, hunger.

#3. Know your food triggers!

One of the biggest things about holiday eating for clients that have more of a medical reason to be on a strict protocol is the fact that food sensitivities might be hidden in foods that you don’t make yourself. Ebony Williams recommends that in order to stay healthy, happy, energetic and to avoid those food triggers is to know what they are and don’t be afraid to speak up about what you can and can’t eat!

“Many times we don’t know what they are and it often leads to is being uncomfortable. For example, I had fava beans at a retreat over the weekend and I hadn’t been eating as much fiber as usual. I became incredibly uncomfortable and bloated. Or, in my early stages of IBS, I didn’t pay as much attention to the sugar content in food and I would develop diarrhea.”  Says Ebony

“If you’re going to a potluck, bring a dish YOU can eat. You never want to come off rude and not eat, so if you bring a dish you know you can have, you won’t feel left out.”

Ebony also recommends checking menus ahead of time and to never feel embarrassed about asking what’s in a dish so that you can avoid exposure! Remember, your needs (or your client’s needs) come first!

Ebony Williams has created an entire support group around this for those struggling with autoimmune disease/digestion issues! You can find more information by visiting her website or her free wellness guide.

#4. Don’t overthink it & take time for yourself!

Kiki, our amazing podcast host and co-founder of AdaptDaily mentions that you need to look forward to these things and allow yourself some space for enjoying the foods you like in the quantities that feel good for you!

“Remember to attend holiday functions that are food-focused HUNGRY, the best preparation is to allow yourself the enjoyment of eating when your body is chemically prepared to eat. (Don’t follow the myth of “don’t arrive hungry or you’ll eat all the wrong things”)” - Kiki

She also recommends being mindful and taking some time for yourself so you can recharge, ground, and feel like yourself. The holidays can be overwhelming due to many social activities, which can certainly nourish your soul, but we also need to remember to take time to feel our bodies and listen to our own thoughts, so that we can continue to honour and respect our physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

Curious what Kiki is up to? Find her on Instagram or check out her free video course here.

CURIOUS HOW A MEAL GARDEN CAN HELP? HERE ARE 3 PRACTICAL WAYS MEAL GARDEN CAN HELP YOUR CLIENTS NAVIGATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH EASE

Have your clients go through this Healthy Holiday Program

ACCESS THE HEALTH HOLIDAY PROGRAM NOW

Meal Garden creates done-for-you programs and plans to make it incredibly easy on you as a coach. All you have to do is copy the program into your account and make minor adjustments to fit your client’s unique needs. Meal Garden’s Healthy Holiday program comes with 6 recipe collections, including desserts and mocktails, and 4 articles that you can send your clients to keep them motivated throughout the holiday season.

Not a Meal Garden member? We have a special offer for you! You can try Meal Garden for FREE for 1 month by clicking the link below.

CLICK TO ACCESS 1 MONTH FREE MEAL GARDEN MEMBERSHIP

#2. Create recipe collections for your clients rather than strict meal plans

What’s unique about Meal Garden is that you can compile nutrition information for your clients in one spot and give your clients access to more fluid planning systems like collections of healthy recipes and resources, tips and tricks on how to implement small changes over time, rather than rigid collections that clients don’t listen to.

Meal Garden makes it easy to set goals and use a database of over 7000 recipes to help your clients with more mindful eating choices rather than strict rules and plans that cannot be changed. We have nearly 50 recipe collections for different needs, don’t forget to sign up and check it out here.

#3. Send tips and resources through the client portal

The client portal allows for an open line of communication directly within the software so you can send recipes, collections, advice, resources, and information on, on-the-spot, without drafting lengthy emails.

It’s an effortless way to communicate and allows for open interaction as you are creating the systems in the software.

If you’re not using Meal Garden to its fullest capabilities, give us a shout today so we can help! And if you are new, make sure you check out Meal Garden and get 30 days for free here.

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