Don’t Let 11 Meals Out of 93 Derail You

Zita here — and let’s be honest for a sec, lovely. December can feel like one long grazing board with a side of champagne. The parties, the pavlova, the Christmas BBQs… it’s a whole vibe. And for a lot of women, it turns into a month of “Ah well, I’ll start again in January.”

But here’s the perspective shift that changes everything:

There are 31 days in December. If you eat 3 meals a day, that’s 93 meals.

Even if you go all-in at every social event (and I hope you enjoy every bite guilt-free!), that’s maybe 11 meals.

So, the real question becomes:

👉 Are you really going to write off your health because of 11 meals out of 93?

That’s not balance. That’s self-sabotage wrapped in tinsel.

You deserve to enjoy the holidays and feel energised, light, and confident in your body. So, let’s walk through the five sneaky mistakes women make in December — and how you can avoid them with calm, clarity, and a whole lot of self-kindness.

Mistake #1: Skipping Meals to "Save Up" for Events

I know the logic: “I’ve got a dinner tonight, so I’ll just skip lunch…”

But here’s the plot twist: You rock up starving, your blood sugar tanks, and suddenly the canapés are disappearing like someone else is eating them for you.

The Fix:

Eat balanced meals throughout the day — especially a solid, protein-rich breakfast. This sets your blood sugar up for success, stops the 4pm hunger monster, and helps you make grounded, confident choices later.

Mindset Tip:

Tell yourself: ✨ “I honour my body by fuelling it before big events — not punishing it.” This instantly shifts you out of deprivation mode and into empowered, self-respecting choices.

Mistake #2: Not Prioritising Protein (A.K.A. Blood Sugar Saboteur)

Holiday tables are usually a carb-and-dessert festival. Fun? Yes. Balanced? Absolutely not.

That carb-heavy spread spikes your blood sugar then drops it like a bad Christmas mixtape, leaving you puffy, tired, hungry, and craving more sugar.

The Fix:

Add a good protein source to every meal — eggs, fish, chicken, prawns, crab, tofu, beans, lentils, whatever fits your palate. Protein keeps you satisfied and stabilises your hunger hormones.

Mindset Tip:

Remind yourself: ✨ “Protein helps me feel grounded and in control — I deserve that kind of stability.” It reframes protein from a rule to a gift.

Mistake #3: Eating Just Because It’s Offered

“Oh, go on, have another slice!” Sound familiar?

So many women eat to keep others happy — or because the food is simply there. But food should never override how you want to feel.

The Fix:

Check in with your hunger before you say yes. A very simple “No thanks, I’m good right now,” is already a full sentence. You’re not being rude — you’re setting a boundary with grace.

Mindset Tip:

Use this reframe: ✨ “Saying no to food I don’t need is saying yes to how I want to feel.” It shifts the focus back to you.

Mistake #4: Letting Stress Drive the Menu

December stress is real — the gifts, the school wrap-ups, the travel, the end-of-year deadlines, the family dynamics… whew.

And when cortisol spikes, cravings follow. Not because you’re weak — but because your body is calling for comfort and quick energy.

The Fix:

Don’t let stress be the boss of your food decisions. Build tiny 5-minute practices that regulate your nervous system: a walk, deep breathing, stretching, a warm tea, stepping outside in the breeze.

Mindset Tip:

Try telling yourself: ✨ “I choose calm first, food second.” This anchors you before you reach for mindless snacks.

Mistake #5: Leaving Everything to the Last Minute

Winging December is like wrapping Christmas presents at 11pm on Christmas Eve — technically doable, but not ideal. (Ummm…been there…)

When there’s no plan, convenience takes over. And that convenience rarely includes protein, hydration, or vegetables.

The Fix:

Plan simple, nourishing meals between your events. This is the real secret sauce — it’s not what you do at the parties that matters. It’s what you do in the 80–90% of meals in between that keeps you feeling good.

Mindset Tip:

Say this to yourself: ✨ “Every simple choice I make counts — perfection isn’t required.” This stops the all-or-nothing spiral right in its tracks.

You Can Enjoy the Pavlova and Your Progress

Here’s the truth, lovely: You don’t need a perfect month. You just need a steady one.

When you show your body a little consistency — real food, balanced meals, and supportive mindset work — December becomes fun again. Not something to survive.

🎁 Want extra support to stay on track? 

Here are three beautiful options:

💚 Free Cravings Reset Toolkit:

A simple, powerful guide to help you feel more in control (and less snacky) this season. Cravings Reset Toolkit | Stop Sugar Cravings Naturally with Real Food

🥗 Join my Meal Plan Membership — Just $27

You’ll get: ✔ Easy, balanced meal plans ✔ Shopping lists ✔ Real-food recipes ✔ PLUS a bonus Christmas Recipe Bundle this month Zest Meal Plan Membership

Perfect for busy women who want to stay nourished without overthinking.

Don’t Wait for January to Feel Good Again

You don’t need a New Year’s resolution. You just need a decision — a gentle, supportive one.

A few social events won’t derail you when you’re anchored by simple habits, a grounded mindset, and a focus on nourishment.

Ready for a Personalised Plan?

🎄 Join my Total Body Confidence Method NOW and you’ll get:

• Your own personalised Metabolic Balance® plan

• BONUS: My Festive Season Webinar

• BONUS: An exclusive Seasonal Tips Guide

• Real support, real accountability, real transformation

• Get your plan now, start in January

Check it out here: Zest Nutrition | Total Body Confidence Method

Want clarity first? 📞 Book a free clarity call and let’s chat about what you truly need right now. www.zestnutrition.org/appointments

✨ December is for joy — and your health deserves to be part of that joy.

Real food. Real confidence. Real results.

You’ve got this, lovely. 

Creating the best version of you — Zita