From Food Freedom to Hormone Harmony: Mastering Balance This Holiday Season

In my last newsletter, I talked about rewriting the holiday food script—learning how to enjoy festive meals without guilt.
As someone who’s always loved the magic of the holidays but also felt the weight of trying to do it all, I know firsthand how easy it is to let stress and indulgences take over. The late nights, endless to-dos, and tempting treats can make this time of year feel more exhausting than joyful.

I still remember, one night my husband asked me to go rock climbing with him, and I declined because I was too tired. But when he came home around 10:30 pm our whole apartment smelled like gingerbread cookies. Well my "too tired" turned into a late night baking session, because I couldn't rest and HAD to bake these cookies.

This year, I’ve decided to shift my approach, focusing on balance rather than perfection. Because what you eat is only part of the story—your stress and sleep play an equally big role in keeping your hormones happy and your energy steady. Let’s explore how you can stay grounded and energized through the season, no matter how busy it gets.

A Quick Recap: Food and Your Hormones

You may have heard that stabilizing your blood sugar (during the holidays) can curb cravings. That same principle helps balance cortisol, the stress hormone responsible for energy dips, sleep struggles, and even mood swings. But food is just one piece of the puzzle. Let’s dive into the other factors affecting your hormonal balance.

The Hidden Effects of Holiday Stress

The holidays often mean jam-packed schedules, late nights, and an endless to-do list.
While these festive stressors may feel unavoidable, they can spike your cortisol levels by as much as 60%, affecting your sleep, energy, and overall mood. Pair that with seasonal indulgences, like Christmas parties, Christmas markets and Christmas cookies, and it’s no surprise you may feel more frazzled than festive.

Beyond Food: 3 Ways to Support Your Hormones

When it comes to supporting your hormones during the holidays, food is only part of the solution. Stress and sleep are the hidden culprits that often tip the balance, leaving you feeling fatigued or overwhelmed. By focusing on these areas, you can create a strong foundation for your hormonal health—even in the busiest season of the year.

1. Stress Management

Holiday stress doesn’t have to control you. Reframe it as an opportunity for self-care:

Schedule a non-negotiable me moment daily, like a short walk or 10 minutes with a good book.
Practice mindful breathing: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and exhale for 8. Repeat 3 times whenever you feel overwhelmed.

2. Sleep First

Quality sleep is your hormonal reset button. Here’s how to prioritize it:

Avoid holiday scrolling after 9 PM, which can disrupt your melatonin production. (Sidenote: We tend to make bad decisions when we shop late at night. Our brains are tired, our willpower is weakened and our brain doesn’t want to think as much so we don’t consider the implications of what we’re spending, meaning we inevitably spend more money. We’re also ready for bed, so we want the transaction ‘done’.)
Stick to consistent sleep and wake times, even on weekends, and avoid the social jetlag.
Create a calming pre-bed ritual, like sipping chamomile tea or journaling.

3. Mindful Indulgence

Building on the principles from our last newsletter, mindful eating can also support your hormones:

Pair sugary treats with protein or fat—think nuts or cheese alongside a holiday cookie—to minimize blood sugar spikes.
Slow down and savor each bite. This helps your body register fullness and reduces overeating.
Be mindful about the amount of alcohol you consume, hidden in your Punsch, mulled wine, or Christmas party cocktails.

It’s All About Progress, Not Perfection

Having said that, I'm also sharing this personal reminder: balance isn’t about perfection.
For me, that means giving myself permission to nap instead of baking cookies. I did just that this weekend, and "oh was it wonderful". Or saying no to another coffee date before the holidays, meeting someone in January will be just as nice, and maybe even better, because you don't feel stressed or rushed. Little choices like these help me stay grounded and calm through the season.

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

If you missed it, revisit Rewriting the Holiday Food Script for more tips on pairing hormone-balancing strategies with mindful eating. Or watch it online read by the wonderful Coach Rae, NBC-HWC.

Keep Calm and Balance On

This holiday season, I’m here to help you stay balanced—one small step at a time. Together, we’ve got this! In my next email, I'll cover more tips for self-care for busy women, and share some interesting scientific stats along with it.

Until then, wishing you calm, joy, and balance in this festive season!