Thanksgiving is such a special day — family, traditions, and yes… really good food. And I truly want you to enjoy every single bite of it.
But here’s the thing we don’t talk about enough: the holiday meal itself isn’t the problem.It’s the days and days of leftovers that sneak their way into your routine long after the celebration is over.
That’s what this final post of The Holiday Sanity Series is about — giving yourself full permission to enjoy the holiday food you love without feeling obligated to keep eating it just because it’s in your fridge.
Enjoy the Holiday Fully — One Day Won’t Make or Break Anything
Let’s start here: Thanksgiving Day is one day.
It’s meant to be enjoyed.
It’s meant to be special.
It’s meant to feel different.
And the truth is, your body won’t drastically change because of a single day.
Just like it won’t drastically change because of a single workout.
What matters is not the big, special days —
it’s the dozens of “regular” days in between them.
So please: enjoy your favorite foods while they taste their best.
Savor them.
Make memories.
Eat with zero guilt.
But You Don’t Have to Keep Eating All the Leftovers
Here’s where people get stuck:
Thanksgiving food is delicious on Day 1… maybe Day 2… but by Day 4?
You’re eating stuffing not because you want it —
but because it’s there.
And those unnecessary, mindless “just because it’s in the fridge” meals are what leave you feeling sluggish, bloated, and off your routine.
So this year, try this:
**Keep the leftovers you genuinely want.
Release the ones you’re done with.**
It’s not wasteful — it’s healthy.
(And sometimes, it’s sanity-saving.)
3 Simple Ways to Not Get “Leftover Trapped”
1. Make a Plan for What You Actually Want to Keep
Before you pack things away, ask yourself:
Will I enjoy eating this tomorrow? Or am I keeping it because I feel like I “should”?
Keep your favorites. Freeze what freezes well in small portions. Let go of the rest.
2. Build Balanced Plates Again by Day 2
You can absolutely enjoy leftovers…
but try pairing them with veggies, protein (the turkey breast totally counts!!), or something fresh to avoid 3 days of carb-only meals that make you feel blah.
3. Give Yourself Permission to Toss What Isn't Serving You
You're not obligated to eat food you don’t want.
I know we hate “wasting” food, but if it is no longer serving you it’s either a “waste” in your body or a waste in the trash, so choose the trash because that has zero after affect on you.
You Can Enjoy the Holiday and Still Feel Good After
The goal isn't restriction.
The goal isn't bouncing back.
The goal is balance — enjoying what matters and returning to your normal routine without the leftover spiral.
When you stay mindful of what feels good for your body, you can enjoy Thanksgiving and keep your wellness intact — without stress, guilt, or all-or-nothing thinking.
Stay Healthy (and Sane!) With Me All Season
This is the final post in The Holiday Sanity Series — all about helping you feel grounded, energized, and centered through the busiest time of the year.
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Catch up on the other blogs in this series:
