How to Have a Low-Carb Holiday

Whether you’re following the keto diet, trying to keep sugar levels down, or just aiming to eat lower carbs in general, we have some tips for how to enjoy yourself during the holidays all while keeping the carbohydrates in check!

Educate yourself.

If you’re just starting a low-carb or keto diet, or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s a good idea to have a list or general idea of the foods you can enjoy and the ones you’re trying to avoid. Some great low-carb but nutrient-dense foods include:

Fatty fish
Leafy greens
Eggs
Chia seeds
Greek yogurt (no sugar added version)
Nuts
Olive oil
Flaxseeds
Strawberries
Summer squash
Some winter squash (like pumpkin)

Of course, this is just a general list, but do some research on foods you specifically enjoy and whether or not they would fit into your plan!

Plan ahead.

Whether you’re hosting for the holidays or you’re going to another friend’s get-together, always make sure to plan ahead! Check-in with your host (see below), gather some recipes that you’d be interested in making, and remember that if you’re not following a diet as prescribed by the doctor or nutritionist, it’s okay to go easy on yourself if everything doesn’t work out perfectly!

Ask your host.

Never be afraid to reach out to your host, especially if you’re following a medically-prescribed diet! Your host can inform you about what’s potentially going to be there, and you can ask if you can also bring a dish or two for not only you to enjoy but others as well!

Keep up healthy habits.

A lot of the time, it’s easy to fall out of the good routines that keep us mentally and physically feeling well during this time of year. With everything going on, you might feel like you’re trying to cling to structure when it’s anything but!

Remember that it’s okay to give yourself grace. You’re not and never will be perfect. So if you fall off track at any moment, don’t fret! You can always choose again in the next. Just simply thank yourself for being able to catch yourself, accept whatever it is that you did, and choose again in the next moment!

That being said, you can also try to keep a few healthy habits here and there that help you to remain sane during this time of year! Making time for yourself to feel good and centered is crucial when we’re being asked to do 20 million things! Here are a few habits we like for this winter season:

Taking a short daily walk outside (being outside is key!)
Meditating
Making sure you’re including accepted fruits and vegetables during the day
Taking time for yourself to do a fun hobby: drawing, knitting, reading, etc.
Talking to a friend or family member that you trust

Go in with your favorite low-carb recipes!

Our last tip involves you actually getting to make and enjoy some low-carb treats for the holidays! The easiest way to ensure that you’re keeping your carbohydrates under control is by bringing along your favorite dish to a party or get-together so that you know you can absolutely enjoy something at the party!

Below are a few of our favorite keto and low-carb recipes, everything ranging from appetizers to mains and sides, and of course, desserts!