5 Tips to Survive The Holdays on Virta

Ask Theresa is a weekly advice column by Theresa Link. A Virta Health Coach since 2015 and a loyal follower of the ketogenic lifestyle, Theresa is a Registered Dietitian who is an expert in living a metabolically-healthy life.

In this week's column, Theresa gives much-needed advice on how to survive all the parties, potlucks, snacks, and meals of the holiday season while still maintaining your dietary goals.

❓Question:

Theresa,

It’s my first holiday season on Virta, and Thanksgiving was a minefield of temptations and endless questions. How do I survive the rest of the holiday season without face-planting into a platter of cookies or giving a 30-minute lecture on carbs every time someone offers me pie?

Sincerely,
Tired After Turkey

👩🏻‍💻 Theresa:‍

Dear Turkey,

Ah, the holidays—so calm, so stress-free... said no one ever! Sure, there are moments of magic, but let’s be honest: making the holidays special often comes with a healthy dose of stress. And let’s not overlook the fact that Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, New Year’s, and yes, even Festivus, all seem to revolve around food and drink.

It’s not just the holidays themselves, either. It’s the parade of events in between: office parties, neighborhood gatherings, cookie exchanges,... the list goes on. It’s enough to make anyone feel like the season is out to derail their progress.

Before the stress fully takes over, take a deep breath. Not only can you survive the holiday season, but with a few simple tips, you might actually enjoy it, too!

‍1. Plan Ahead

You cannot go into the holidays winging it. I repeat: no winging it during the holidays. As Benjamin Franklin often said: “Fail to plan, and you can plan to fail.” But if you walk into your holiday  events with a plan, you can stress less about what decisions to make and spend more time enjoying the festivities. 

Bring a low-carb dish to share. Whenever I bring a low-carb dish (which is pretty much always), it ends up disappearing first. What gives? That’s because people love rich and satisfying foods like cheesy spinach puffs, crustless pumpkin cheesecake, and our classic mashed cauliflower (I swear, no one knows the difference). You also can’t go wrong with a simple pan of veggies roasted in olive oil. 

Have a snack before you go. If you’re afraid the other guests might swipe your homemade sausage and cheddar stuffing before you have the chance to grab a spoonful yourself, make sure to have a satisfying snack like cheese slices and a handful of nuts beforehand.

‍2. Prioritize protein and veggies

Holiday gatherings often feature protein-heavy options like turkey, ham, prime rib, or meat and cheese trays. Watch out for sugary glazes—if you see a honey-baked ham, trim off the outer crust like you would for your 5 year old’s PB&J.

While vegetables aren’t always the main attraction, you’ll likely find options like roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, green beans with pecans, or a simple veggie tray with ranch dip. Pairing proteins with veggies is a great way to stay on track without feeling deprived.‍

3. Be Mindful of Drinks

Festive drinks like eggnog, mulled wine, and spiked cider might feel like holiday magic in a glass, but they can pack up to 30 grams of carbs per drink! If you’re raising a toast, go for dry wine, light beer, or spirits with sugar-free mixers like sparkling water or diet soda for a little cheer without the carb crash.

Coffee is another holiday lifesaver—stick to the basics like black coffee or add a splash of half-and-half or heavy cream. Resist the siren call of sugary peppermint mochas or gingerbread lattes.

And don’t forget: alcohol has a sneaky way of lowering your inhibitions, making that extra slice of pie—or three—harder to resist. Sip smart, and you’ll breeze through the festivities without derailing your plans. 

‍4. Focus on the Festivities

Shift your focus from food to activities—decorating, games, or spending quality time with family and friends. A rousing game of Go Fish is sure to spark a dramatic feud over a pair of sevens and keep your hands away from the pecan pie.

Organize a secret Santa, white elephant exchange, holiday charades, or pin the nose on Rudolph. Bonus - these will help keep kids out of your hair!‍

5. Forget perfection

“Taking a break” from your Virta lifestyle might seem tempting—less planning, less effort, right? But the consequences can be significant. Research shows that people often regain considerable weight during December if they abandon their healthy habits entirely until January 1st. How do you want to feel when you greet the New Year? Healthy, energized, and ready to rock 2025? Or bloated, fatigued, and possibly back to increasing your medications?

Evidence tells us that maintaining even small habits like tracking your progress keeps you accountable and more likely to stick with healthier choices. You don’t have to be 100% on-plan to make progress. Even focusing on one simple change, like sticking to a Virta-friendly breakfast, can set the tone for the rest of your day and help you ring in the New Year with confidence and momentum.

Let’s toast to 2025—healthy, happy, and ready to crush it! 🥂✨

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