Ladies, we need to have a chat about something that’s been weighing on my mind (and maybe my scale too) – the post-holiday leftover situation. You know exactly what I’m talking about!
Let me paint you a picture: There I was, standing in my kitchen at midnight, fork in hand, having what I’ll call a ‘private consultation’ with the remaining half of my pumpkin pie. Just me, the pie, and absolutely zero judgment from my refrigerator. Can anyone relate?
Here’s the truth bomb I need to drop: It’s not actually the holiday meal that throws us off track. One day of enjoying Aunt Betty’s famous mac and cheese or Mom’s pecan pie isn’t going to derail your progress. What really gets us? It’s the next five days of ‘cleaning our plate’ because we “can’t let it go to waste.”
You start with good intentions: “I’ll just have one more small slice…” But suddenly, you’re inventing reasons why pie qualifies as a breakfast food. (I mean, pumpkin is a vegetable, right? 🤷♀️)
This isn’t about willpower, my friends. Your girl NiMi has been there, done that, and bought the stretchy pants. It’s about having a plan that doesn’t make you feel deprived while also not turning the entire holiday week into a food free-for-all.
Here’s what I’ve learned (the hard way, so you don’t have to):
- Permission is Power Give yourself FULL permission to enjoy that holiday meal. No guilt, no shame, no “I’ll start my diet tomorrow” thoughts. When we remove the restriction mentality, something magical happens – we actually make better choices with those leftovers.
- The “One and Done” Strategy Choose your favorite holiday foods and enjoy them ON THE DAY. After that? It’s time to share the love (and the leftovers). Send guests home with doggie bags.
- The Leftover Makeover Get creative with those turkey leftovers! Turn them into healthy protein-packed salads, soups, or lettuce wraps. But the desserts? That’s another story…
Now, let’s talk about what to do with those pies, cookies, and that pan of brownies your neighbor dropped off (bless her heart). Here’s your permission slip to:
- Freeze individual portions for later (Future You might appreciate one slice on a rough day)
- Share with neighbors (especially those college kids next door)
- Or – and hear me out – toss what you know will tempt you into a shame spiral
I know, I know – tossing food feels wrong. But here’s some truth: You are not a human garbage disposal. Your body deserves better than becoming the designated leftover depot.
Your Action Plan (Because We’re All About Solutions Here)
Remember This…
You’re not ‘being good’ by eating all the leftover pie, and you’re not ‘being bad’ by enjoying the holiday. You’re simply being human. And sometimes being human means learning to say goodbye to that last slice of pie before it turns into a midnight rendezvous.
Ready to break up with your leftover love affair? Drop a comment below and tell me: What’s your biggest leftover temptation? Let’s support each other through this holiday season!