The holidays are one of my favorite times of year—family, laughter, cozy traditions, and all things festive. But if you’re on your health-restoration journey and following The Wellness Way approach, you know the season can also come with its own set of challenges.
After months of being intentional—running your food allergy test, lowering inflammation, finally understanding your triggers, seeing real improvements in energy, digestion, hormones—suddenly the holiday spread shows up like a test you didn’t study for. The casseroles, the pies, the gravies, the spice blends (that somehow always include one thing you can’t have), and the well-meaning relatives insisting,
“Just have a little… it’s the holidays!”
If you’ve ever felt pressured, misunderstood, or guilty for eating differently—please hear me: you’re not alone, and you’re not doing anything wrong. In fact, you’re choosing the hard thing that leads to healing. And you can fully enjoy the holidays without sacrificing how you feel.
Let’s walk through how to do that—with confidence and grace.
Why the Holidays Feel Emotionally Hard (Not Just Logistically Hard)
One thing I teach my patients is that food is MUCH more emotional than we realize. We grow up bonding over meals and traditions. So when you suddenly find out that gluten, dairy, eggs, or even spices like black pepper send your body into a flare, it can feel like there’s no space for you at the table.
And then add the layer of family dynamics…
People don’t always understand why your “healthy choice” might look different from theirs. Sometimes your decision to eat differently even makes them uncomfortable.
But here’s the truth I remind myself every year:
✔ You don’t owe anyone an apology for taking care of your health.
✔ You’re allowed to set boundaries around your food.
✔ Your choices might even inspire someone else.— and this is huge.
Side comment: I cannot tell you how many times someone has asked me why I eat the way I do, and as soon as I share my story, I see the wheels turning. They’ll say, “Huh… maybe I should get my food allergies tested. Maybe this would help me feel better.” Never underestimate the quiet ripple effect your choices can have.
When you honor your body in moments that feel hard, that’s where real empowerment happens.
My Own Holiday Journey (and the Turning Point)
When Jordan and I first started changing how we ate, holidays were rough. I’d show up to a gathering, look at the table, and realize almost everything contained one of my allergens. I would either cave (and pay for it for days) or go hungry and feel awkward.
And honestly? The guilt from others was sometimes worse than the physical symptoms.
Eventually, I got tired of compromising my progress and decided to prepare better and communicate more clearly. Once I did, everything shifted.
Here’s what changed the game for me:
1. Talking with the host BEFORE the gathering
Asking simple questions like:
“What are you planning to make?”
“Would you mind leaving a portion unseasoned so I can season it myself?”
Most people are more accommodating than we fear—they just need guidance.
2. Bringing delicious, safe dishes to share
This is my secret weapon. When people taste how flavorful Wellness Way eating can be, the judgment disappears. Most of my dishes now go home empty, and that makes my heart so happy.
3. Helping in the kitchen
Not as the food police—but as someone participating. It keeps you connected and gives you peace of mind.
And just like that, the narrative shifted. Curiosity replaced criticism. Family members asked questions. Some even started making changes themselves.
If You’re Hosting—You’re in the Driver’s Seat
Hosting can feel overwhelming, but it also gives you total control of ingredients and menu.
One of my favorite holiday hacks is creating an appetizer-style meal. It’s fun, beautiful, customizable, and surprisingly satisfying.
Here are a few easy ideas:
✔ Bacon-wrapped dates (with or without goat cheese—both are always a hit)
✔ Veggies with hummus, guacamole or a dairy-free dip
✔ Charcuterie platters built with clean ingredients, allergen-friendly crackers, olives, roasted nuts, and seasonal fruits
These feel festive and indulgent, without derailing your progress.
If you need inspiration, The Wellness Way and From Scratch recipes are absolute goldmines.
If You Keep “Cheating” on Dessert… Let’s Talk About That
One thing I hear from patients every single January is: “Paige… I did so well, but the desserts got me.”
And honestly? I get it.
The holiday treats tied to our memories are the ones that pull the hardest.
So here’s what I always tell my patients:
✔ If you find yourself caving on pumpkin pie every Thanksgiving… bring an allergy-friendly pumpkin pie.
✔ If you always end up cheating on a chocolate dessert at Christmas cookies… make a gluten free, vegan version and bring it.
I’ll attach some of my favorite recipes, but here’s the bigger takeaway:
Whatever YOU personally miss the most — make that your safe version.
Everyone’s “weak spot” is different, and that’s okay. When you have a satisfying alternative, you’re far less likely to feel deprived or frustrated.
And don’t overthink it! My go-to strategy is incredibly simple:
I literally Google: “gluten free vegan _______”
Insert whatever you’re craving — peppermint brownies, pumpkin cheesecake, sugar cookies — and you will be amazed at what comes up.
Then I adjust ingredients based on allergies.
For example:
✔ I can’t have almond, so if a recipe calls for almond milk or almond flour, I just swap in coconut milk or coconut flour.
✔ If a sweetener isn’t ideal, I replace it with maple syrup, honey, allulose, birch xylitol, or monk fruit depending on the recipe.
Keep it simple. Truly.
If you can’t find a good recipe in The From Scratch Cookbook, my favorite online resource is the Minimalist Baker blog — so many options, and most are incredibly easy to adapt.
This small amount of preparation can completely transform your holiday experience. Instead of “cheating” and feeling awful for days, you get to enjoy something delicious and stay aligned with your goals.
You Don’t Have to “Cheat” Just Because It’s the Holidays
There’s a common belief that celebrations automatically equal unhealthy food.
Not true.
You can enjoy almost every flavor and tradition with clean swaps and intentional ingredients. In our home, we still make sweets—just using sweeteners that don’t inflame the body or crash the immune system. There’s a version of almost every holiday favorite that:
✔ tastes amazing
✔ keeps your inflammation low
✔ honors the progress you’ve made
Healthy isn’t boring. Healthy is empowering. And honestly… it tastes better when you’re not wiped out afterward.
Navigating Comments With Grace (and Without Defensiveness)
Let’s talk about the part that is often harder than the food: the comments.
“You’re missing out.”
“One bite won’t hurt you.”
“You’re too strict.”
Most of the time, these comments come from misunderstanding—not judgment.
A kind response goes a long way:
“Honestly, I just don’t like feeling bad for a few days afterward. It’s not worth it to me.”
No debate.
No defensiveness.
Just confidence + kindness.
Your goal isn’t to convince anyone—it’s simply to honor your body.
A Mindset Shift for the Season
The Wellness Way lifestyle is not about restriction. It’s about restoration.
When you understand how the body works—how every system interacts, how inflammation derails healing, how removing triggers gives your body room to rebuild—you stop seeing certain foods as “off-limits” and start seeing them as “not for me right now”.
Healing isn’t about losing out.
This holiday season, focus less on what’s missing from your plate and more on what’s possible when you choose foods that support your:
✔ thyroid
✔ immune system
✔ gut
✔ hormones
✔ emotions
✔ energy
Every dish you bring, every choice you make, every boundary you keep—that’s you planting seeds. You may be surprised who it inspires.
Final Thoughts: Joy Over Perfection
Friend, you don’t have to choose between your health and the holidays.
You can:
✔ celebrate fully
✔ eat beautifully
✔ avoid flare-ups
✔ stay aligned with your goals
✔ enjoy your family without compromising your wellbeing
And remember:
The holidays were never meant to be about perfection…
They’re about presence.
Show up with gratitude. Bring food that supports your health.
Extend grace—to yourself and others.
And allow joy to be the centerpiece of your holiday table.
Your body will thank you.
Your future self will thank you.
And the people watching your courage and consistency?
They just might thank you too.
Side note: A thoughtful holiday gift idea
If you’re someone who loves giving meaningful gifts, this might be the perfect year to think outside the usual presents. For the family member who’s always tired, inflamed, struggling with digestion, or simply curious about why they don’t feel their best.
A Wellness Way gift card for a consultation or a Food Allergy Test might be the perfect, truly-life-changing gift.
I’ve seen so many families take the leap together, and it’s amazing what happens when one person’s healing inspires another’s.
Wishing you all a warm, peaceful, and well Christmas!
— The Wellness Way Lake Forest Team
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. It’s not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your Wellness Way clinic or personal physician, especially if currently taking prescription or over-the-counter medications. Pregnant women, in particular, should seek the advice of a physician before trying any herb or supplement listed on this website. Always speak with your individual clinic before adding any medication, herb, or nutritional supplement to your health protocol. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
