Let’s be honest — the holidays can bring out the very worst parts of our relationship with food.

On one end, there’s pressure to “be good,” track everything, avoid dessert, and stay in control.

On the other end, there’s the temptation to give up completely, overindulge, numb stress with food, and promise ourselves we’ll “start over in January.”

Neither one is biblical.

Neither one brings peace.

And both of them steal joy from a season that’s meant to point us to Jesus.

But here’s the good news, mama:

You can eat in a way that honors God and enjoy holiday food without guilt, fear, or obsession.

Let’s walk through what that actually looks like.

1️⃣ Stop Moralizing Food — God Never Called It Good or Bad

One thing Scripture never does?

Attach morality to food.

Jesus doesn’t say:

• “Cookies are sinful.”

• “Bread is bad for you.”

• “Only eat clean.”

That’s diet culture talking, not the Bible.

When you assign spiritual value to food, you create a toxic relationship with eating that God never intended.

Food is fuel.

Food is fellowship.

Food is a gift.

And in this season especially, food is part of celebration — and that is good.

2️⃣ Choose Nourishment, Not Punishment

Holiday eating becomes stressful when the goal is:

• shrinking yourself

• “making up for” past decisions

• punishing your body for what you ate

• earning your food through workouts

But biblical health isn’t about shrinking your body… it’s about stewarding it.

Ask yourself:

“What would nourish me right now?”

Some days, nourishment looks like:

• adding protein

• drinking water

• choosing a real breakfast

• having veggies with dinner

Other days, nourishment looks like:

• enjoying a slice of pie with gratitude

• savoring special family recipes

• eating the meal your mother-in-law made without dissecting it

Nourishment is about wisdom, not restriction.

3️⃣ Practice God-Honoring Portion Peace

This is not portion control rooted in fear.

This is portion peace rooted in self-control, one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

Self-control isn’t clenched fists and white-knuckled discipline.

Self-control is Spirit-led awareness:

• Eating until you’re satisfied, not stuffed

• Pausing to check in with your body

• Enjoying the food without rushing

• Being present at the table, not panicked

Portion peace honors God because it honors the body He entrusted to you.

4️⃣ Don’t Skip Meals — It Leads to Overeating Later

This is one of the biggest holiday traps for moms:

“I’ll just wait to eat until the big meal.”

No.

This sets you up for:

• blood sugar crashes

• irritability

• low energy

• overeating

• poor decisions

A steady rhythm honors your body’s design.

Eat a normal breakfast.

Have protein before parties.

Keep snacks in the car for chaotic days.

Feeding yourself consistently is not losing control — it’s stewardship.

5️⃣ Enjoy the Moments — Not the Guilt

You were never meant to approach food with fear.

God does not call you to:

• obsess

• restrict

• shame yourself

• skip dessert to prove discipline

But He also doesn’t call you to:

• numb stress with food

• eat mindlessly

• use food as escape

He calls you to peace.

Peace with your body.

Peace with food.

Peace with the table.

If your holiday eating feels chaotic, rushed, or guilt-filled, it’s a sign to slow down and invite Him into the moment.

6️⃣ Keep Christ at the Center — Even in the Kitchen

This season exists because God stepped into our brokenness with hope.

What if your health reflected that?

What if you honored Him by:

• approaching food with gratitude

• choosing balance, not extremes

• being fully present with your family

• releasing the guilt He never put on you

• fueling your body so you can serve well

• celebrating His goodness at the table

Your health during the holidays isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence.

7️⃣ A Simple Prayer for Holiday Eating

If you feel anxious about food this week, pray this:

“Lord, help me eat with wisdom, peace, and gratitude.

Protect me from guilt and extremes.

Teach me to honor You with my body and enjoy Your good gifts with a joyful heart.”

He will meet you there — even in the kitchen.

🌟 A Final Word of Grace

You don’t have to survive this season.

You can enjoy it.

You can nourish yourself.

You can choose freedom.

You can walk in peace — not pressure.

And you can do it all while fixing your eyes on the One who came to bring you abundant life.

If you want more Christ-centered encouragement and practical tools for a healthy, grace-filled holiday season, don’t forget to listen to this week’s podcast:

👉 Healthy Holy MomLife Podcast — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthy-holy-momlife/id1774374017