As the holiday season sweeps in with its familiar warmth, laughter, and tables groaning under the weight of festive fare, many find themselves torn between indulging in tradition and maintaining their health. From the temptation of sugary desserts to the challenge of keeping pets safe from hidden food hazards, the holidays present a minefield of choices for people and their furry companions alike.
On November 23, 2025, Anna Most, M.S., a registered dietitian at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland, offered timely advice for those hoping to navigate the holiday food landscape without sacrificing enjoyment or well-being. According to Most, the key to a happy, healthy season is not deprivation, but mindfulness. "Allow yourself some special treats during the holidays!" she advised, but with a caveat: try limiting yourself to just one treat a day to avoid the cycle of deprivation and overeating. For those who love to bake, she recommended gifting some of the bounty to friends and neighbors, keeping temptation—and excess calories—at bay.
Most also emphasized the importance of balance at holiday gatherings. Bringing a healthy dish, such as a salad or fresh fruit, can help ensure there are nutritious options on the table. "Don’t deprive yourself of foods that are truly special to you this time of year but consider avoiding unhealthy foods that you can have at any time," she suggested. After the meal, moving to a different room or suggesting an activity like a walk or a game can help shift the focus away from food and prevent mindless snacking.
But what about the emotional side of the holidays? For many, stress and sadness can be as much a part of the season as cranberry sauce. Most encouraged reaching out to family or friends for support rather than turning to food for comfort. She also recommended lowering expectations—focusing on fun and memory-making instead of perfection. "Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga," she said, noting that self-care can help people feel more centered and better able to enjoy the festivities.
Staying active is another pillar of holiday well-being. Whether it’s a family walk after dinner, a friendly game of touch football, or a holiday-themed fun run, movement helps balance out indulgences and keeps energy levels up. For those supporting loved ones who may be struggling with holiday eating, Most advised open conversations and inclusive, non-food-related activities as a way to foster a supportive environment.
Yet, the holidays aren’t just about human health. On November 24, 2025, Local Matters highlighted a different set of seasonal concerns: the risks that festive foods pose to pets. While sharing a little of the holiday spirit with our animals is tempting, many traditional treats are dangerous, even deadly, for dogs and cats. Chocolate and coffee, for example, contain theobromine and caffeine—both toxic to pets, with dark and baking chocolate being especially hazardous. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning can range from vomiting and diarrhea to seizures or collapse.
Grapes, raisins, and sultanas, often found in fruitcakes and holiday desserts, are another hidden danger. Even small amounts can trigger kidney failure in dogs, and while cats are less commonly affected, they should also steer clear. The effects aren’t always immediate, but signs like vomiting, lethargy, and decreased appetite are red flags. Onions, garlic, and chives—staples in many holiday dishes—can damage red blood cells in pets, leading to anemia. Fatty foods like turkey skin or ham can cause pancreatitis, while cooked bones may splinter and cause choking or internal injuries.
Other hazards lurk in sugar-free treats: xylitol, a common artificial sweetener in gum and baked goods, is highly toxic to dogs, causing dangerous drops in blood sugar and even liver failure. Alcohol and macadamia nuts also pose serious risks, with symptoms ranging from vomiting and tremors to coma. The advice from veterinarians is clear: keep all human food out of pets’ reach, secure garbage bins, and remind guests not to slip animals any table scraps. If a pet does ingest a toxic food, immediate contact with a vet or the National Poisons Centre is critical.
For those looking to boost not just physical but also mental well-being during the season, the science of nutritional psychiatry offers some surprising insights. On November 24, 2025, NPR reported on the research of Felice Jacka at Deakin University, who has spent years debunking the myth that sweets and fatty fast foods truly make us happy. "People are like walking wallets to food companies," Jacka explained, pointing out that while sugary and processed foods may offer a fleeting sense of pleasure, their long-term impact is often the opposite. In fact, diets high in ultra-processed foods and refined carbohydrates are associated with a 20 to 30 percent higher risk of depression.
Instead, Jacka and other experts recommend focusing on whole and minimally processed foods, especially those rich in fermentable fiber—think whole grains, beans, lentils, chia seeds, berries, apples, pears, avocados, and even unripe bananas. These foods nourish the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria in our digestive tract, which in turn influences mood and mental health. Dr. Kara Margolis of New York University noted, "Making the environment in your gut right for good bacteria not only can affect mood, but it can protect you from nearly every medical condition that's been studied."
For a happier holiday menu, Jacka suggests going homemade where possible—making cakes with almond meal and honey instead of white flour and sugar, swapping out white breads for whole grain versions, and adding beans or lentils to soups and side dishes. She also advises introducing these high-fiber foods gradually, as they can cause bloating if added too quickly. "Try a few different varieties, or soak the beans beforehand. That can help to reduce any types of unwanted side effects," recommended microbiome scientist Hannah Holscher.
Christine VanDoren, a nutritionist, echoed these sentiments in her Thanksgiving guide, reminding readers that traditional holiday dishes are often high in fat, sugar, and salt—all of which slow digestion and increase the risk of bloating or acid reflux. Large portions and holiday stress can further disrupt gut health. Her advice? Add fiber-rich vegetables like Brussels sprouts and carrots, choose lean proteins, and make small swaps such as using olive oil instead of butter. Eating slowly, staying upright after meals, and taking a walk can all support healthy digestion.
Ultimately, enjoying the holidays doesn’t have to mean sacrificing health—yours or your pets’. With a little intention, some mindful choices, and a dash of compassion, it’s possible to savor the season’s joys while keeping everyone at the table (and under it) happy and safe.
