I know it sounds odd to title this Damage Control Through the Holidays. But every Holiday season that I have been “on plan” with Trim Healthy Mama, I’ve seen many mama’s post about “how do I get back on track?”
This is my third Christmas following the Trim Healthy Mama way, so I’ve learned a few practical approaches for damage control and how to get back on plan after enjoying off-plan foods more often than intended.
What to Avoid When “Getting Back on Plan”
Let’s break things down a bit. These are common pitfalls I’ve faced personally on my journey.
- Guilt
Guilt often sneaks in after indulging in off-plan foods and drinks, which tend to be abundant at holiday gatherings—especially when others around you aren’t following Trim Healthy Mama.
- Shame
Shame can appear when friends or family question your choices with comments like “why aren’t you eating that?” or “I made it because I know you like it.” Such remarks can sting and make sticking to your plan more difficult.
- Beating yourself up
After feeling guilty or ashamed, it’s easy to continue the cycle by criticizing yourself and allowing more off-plan choices. That only delays getting back on track.
- Excuses
Excuses are common when trying to resume a healthy routine. I’ve written plenty of them in my journal. When you notice excuses piling up, it’s a good moment to reassess your habits and recommit.
Things to Embrace For Damage Control
- Grace
Offer yourself grace. Stumbling does not equal failure. Forgiveness and grace are foundational—emotionally and spiritually—and help you move forward. Each day is a fresh opportunity to make healthy choices.
- Food Freedom
Embrace freedom in your food choices as part of the journey. Returning to satisfying, healthy meals helps reset your body. After off-plan eating I often choose several deep S meals and snacks to clear the junk and support recovery.
- Confidence
Build confidence through knowledge and consistent practice. When you understand the Trim Healthy Mama principles and commit to them, you’ll have the tools to get back on track quickly and with clarity.
- Faith
Have faith in yourself, in your choices, and—if you’re faith-centered—in God’s love and support. Remember that you are not alone on this journey; that belief can strengthen your resolve and perseverance.
- Fellowship
Community support matters. Many mamas have a THM buddy or connect with others through discussion boards, private messages, phone calls, or texts. That fellowship is an important source of encouragement.
Do you “chat” with other THM on the discussion boards? in private messages? on the phone or in Text messages?
The fellowship and support throughout the THM community is like no other.
My Personal Damage Control Plan
The week between Christmas and New Year’s I follow a personal damage control plan. Each year I see recommendations to eat deep S meals (which are explained in the Trim Healthy Mama book, Higher Learning chapter). I do not do a Fuel Cycle that week because after off-plan foods my body feels too disrupted; a strict Fuel Cycle isn’t what I need.
Instead, I focus on a mix of light meals and deep S meals to help my body detox. E meals are important for supporting my adrenals and maintaining energy, so I include them as well.
Fuel Pull snacks are excellent for keeping hunger at bay between meals; they can help you stay steady for the crucial three-hour windows between eating.
Detox symptoms can be a challenge, but I often enjoy GGMS, Singing Canary, and Shrinkers to stay hydrated and help flush out the remnants of off-plan food. These sippers support hydration and recovery.
I use a meal planner to organize my week and simplify decisions so I can focus on consistent, healthy choices.
which goes with the Free Binder printable that you can get through Subscribing
May your Holidays be Blessed and Your Heart full.