Jan 1st 2026 is around the corner...

What if a few small tweaks in December, could make the difference?
 
What if we put ourselves first, over the next few weeks with 3 small changes and welcomed 2026 with vigor?
 
Who doesn’t want more fun in 2026, instead of starting off feeling guilty?
 
Are you with me?
 
Great.

Let's jump in and look at my top 3 holiday party tricks.

As a holisitic nutrition and health coach for women waking up to their body changes after 40, here they are:

1 - How you start your day matters.

New research into how women should start their day when it comes to breakfast is empowering. Women who ate breakfast were more likely to have better fat metabolism and sugar balance.

In my coaching, I’m seeing the same success. Clients who are flipping their calories to eat more, earlier in the day, are making better food choices. Why? They are satisfied.,

They feel full for longer periods of time during the day. THAT small shift is making it easier to not snack after supper.

Less nighttime snacking means eating less, which turns into deeper restorative sleep.

Better sleep flips into easier weight loss and happier moods.

Yes, this small change is a game changer for the 40+ body.

How can be this be helpful at your next Christmas or holiday party?

When you find yourself standing around a party table, you’ll be less likely to overeat.

You’ll arrive less hungry and make better choices, naturally.

Of course, enjoy yourself and have a few treats, but you’ll end up leaving the party having eaten less than last year.

2 - Hydrate. Yes this plays with the tip number one.

Your body signals for thirst and hunger can get mixed up when you’re dehydrated.
 
Thirst can turn on your hunger switch, undoing all the good work you did with tip number 1.
 
Stay well hydrated and you’re body will stay in the “I’m happy and full state” longer.
 
So drink plenty of filtered water (please ditch the plastic store bought water bottle habit) to quench your thirst.
 
How much?
 
Enough so that you don’t feel thirsty all the time. Carry a stainless steel water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day. Take it with you shopping, driving or sitting at your desk.
 
Hydration will also help you recover from any extra cocktails you may not be used to.
 
Enjoy a fancy cocktail or two, knowing you’ve prepared your body for the fun and extra stress of alcohol.

3 - Fill your plate rather that picking at the table.

When you’re at a party and standing in front of a table filled with goodies, grab a plate. Fill it with veggies and enjoy a few treats.
 
Look at the food on the plate, Enjoy what you chose, Chew, taste it and really savour it.
 
Why does this work?
 
Digestion starts with your eyes. By looking at your food, you’re telling your body what’s coming, so it can get ready to digest.
 
Ever wonder why you drool sometimes before you eat? That’s your body doing what it’s meant to do, and releasing digestive enzymes to, digest.
 
By slowing down before your first bite, you’re sending your body the message, that this is safe to eat.
 
Rushing makes your body feel more stress, so taking a small pause will also help you eat less and digest better
 
The pause is magic to your metabolism.
 
Because here’s another thing.
 
Stress makes you eat more and social gatherings with friends and family can be exhausting. And yes, they are stressful to your nervous system, whether you’re aware of it or not.
 
When you slow down, notice what you eat, you’ll naturally feel happier, calmer and eat less during the party. Slowing down will help you feel satisfied again and happier in your body.
 
Now you’re armed with my top 3 party tricks & tips for the holiday season. Which one will you try first?
I’d love to hear what landed for you today.
 
Come say hi on instagram, or visit my website at www.stephaniehw.com 

Stephanie Huntjens White is a holistic health coach and wellness stylist who helps women get answers to their 40+ questions. Book a free 20 minute coffee chat

The doors to The Flourish Academy are open. If you’ve ever dreamed of finding your new best friends… who understand that sleep, hunger, mood, energy and cravings  are the key to happiness…then come join us, we can’t wait to meet you