5 Ways to Get Back on Track After Thanksgiving (or Anytime You’ve Fallen Off Your Healthy Habits)

The days after Thanksgiving — and really, the whole holiday season — can leave many of us feeling a little sluggish, puffy, or simply “off” from our usual routines. But here’s the truth: getting off track isn’t failure. It’s human. And the beautiful thing is, you can step right back into habits that nourish you, body and soul.

Here are five simple and powerful ways to reset — after Thanksgiving, after the holidays, or anytime life gets busy and you find yourself drifting from your healthy rhythm.


1. Start With a High-Protein Meal (plus veggies!)

Your next meal is your reset button — no need to wait for Monday.

Protein helps steady your blood sugar, curb cravings, and set your taste buds back on track after indulgent eating. Adding veggies gives your body fiber, nutrients, and a gentle cleanse from all the richer foods of the holiday table.

Example meal ideas:

  • Eggs scrambled with spinach, peppers, or mushrooms
  • Greek yogurt with berries and chia
  • Turkey or chicken paired with a big veggie stir-fry

Protein + veggies = a smooth start to your day.


2. Get Moving Again (Even Lightly!)

Movement is one of the fastest ways to reset both your metabolism and your mind. You don’t need a long gym session — just get your blood flowing.

Try something enjoyable:

  • A walk around the block
  • Walking your dog
  • A fun YouTube workout
  • A gym visit
  • A movement date with a friend or spouse

Accountability helps you show up — and even 10–15 minutes can shift your energy, mood, and motivation.


3. Add Veggies to Every Meal

If you want to rebalance faster, this is one of the most impactful habits.

Vegetables deliver nutrients, fiber, and volume — helping you get back to whole-food flavors instead of craving sugary or processed foods. Think of them as your “palette reset.”

Balanced plate formula:

  • ½ plate non-starchy veggies
  • ¼ plate lean protein
  • ¼ plate complex carbs (½ sweet potato, quinoa, wild rice, etc.)

Examples:

  • Eggs with sautéed veggies
  • Salads with grilled chicken
  • Whole grain sandwich loaded with lettuce, tomato, and cucumbers
  • Stir-fries, soups, roasted veggie bowls — anything goes!

4. Track Your Meals & Water for 3 Days

If you do not have a history of disordered eating, tracking can be a great temporary tool for awareness.

This isn’t about judgment — it’s about clarity. For three days, simply observe:

  • How much added sugar you’re eating
  • How your body feels after meals
  • Whether you were stressed while eating
  • How well you slept
  • Any patterns in cravings or energy

Don’t forget to track your water intake too! Hydrating is so important to reset your body & taste buds. Try to get in 1/2 of your body weight in ounces of water. If you need flavor, consider adding in lemons, limes or cucumbers to infuse your water. It helps with glowing skin and energy levels too!Insight creates empowerment. You may be surprised at how quickly awareness alone helps you recalibrate.


5. Give Yourself Grace

This one might be the most important.

Life is meant to be lived — enjoyed — celebrated in a balanced way. Balance doesn’t mean perfection. It means learning what serves you and making gentle course corrections along the way.

Ask yourself:

  • What habits help me feel good physically?
  • What supports my emotional and spiritual health?
  • Who in my life encourages and uplifts me?

You don’t have to do this journey alone.

If you need a positive, faith-centered community, I’d love to invite you to join The Rooted Soul Community — where we focus on physical, emotional, and spiritual health rooted in God’s Word.

👉 Join us here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2446997065699313

May you enjoy this wonderful Holiday season!! Take time to reflect on what things you don’t really need to do and yes to what energizes you spirit, soul and body. Blessings your way! -Lori