What to Do With Holiday Leftovers: Smart Tips to Avoid Overindulging and Boost Energy
The holiday celebrations are over, but your kitchen is still overflowing with leftovers—pies, cookies, casseroles, you name it. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’ll just have a little bite,” only to find yourself grazing all day, you’re not alone.
Holiday leftovers can feel like a trap, making it easy to overindulge and leaving you frustrated with your progress. But here’s the good news: It’s not about having more willpower. It’s about setting yourself up for success by creating the right environment—and that starts with how you handle those leftovers.
Why Your Environment Matters
Your environment plays a bigger role in your eating habits than you might think. Here’s why:
Out of sight, out of mind. Food that’s constantly visible—like a plate of cookies on the counter—is practically begging to be eaten. But when it’s tucked away, it’s much easier to resist.
Availability bias. You’re more likely to eat what’s convenient. If indulgent treats are within arm’s reach, they’ll probably win. But if healthy options are just as accessible, making better choices becomes effortless.
Healthy options lead to healthier habits. When you stock up on prepped veggies, protein-rich snacks, or balanced leftovers, staying on track feels easier.
Science backs this up: Simply seeing a food can trigger cravings, even if you’re not hungry. By managing your environment, you can eliminate unnecessary temptations and make healthy choices feel natural.
How Leftovers Can Derail You
Holiday leftovers can feel tricky. You don’t want to waste food, but keeping indulgent treats around can backfire in a few ways:
Emotional connections to food. You might think, “It’s such a waste to throw this out.” But ask yourself: Is keeping it helping you reach your goals?
The danger of “just one bite.” We’ve all been there: You grab a forkful of cake, and suddenly you’re halfway through the pan.
Hormonal impacts. Sugary treats spike your insulin levels, leading to an energy crash and a cycle of cravings.
So, how do you handle leftovers without feeling guilty or overwhelmed? Let’s dive into three smart strategies.
3 Smart Strategies for Handling Holiday Leftovers
1. Out of Sight, Out of Mind
The first step is to create some distance between you and the indulgent treats. Pack them up and store them where you can’t see them—like in the freezer or in opaque containers.
For example, instead of leaving pie on the counter, freeze individual slices for a future treat. Or, if it’s something you’re better off without, let it go. Tossing food may feel wasteful, but what’s more wasteful: throwing away a pie or throwing off your progress?
2. Donate or Share
This one’s a win-win. Share your leftovers with friends, neighbors, or even local shelters.
One of my clients started a tradition of packaging up holiday desserts to share with coworkers or drop off at a food bank. She said it made her feel great to spread joy and stay on track with her goals.
3. Prep Healthy Grab-and-Go Options
Replace tempting treats with healthier alternatives. Here are some ideas:
Turn leftover turkey into a hearty soup loaded with veggies.
Use roasted vegetables in a frittata or casserole.
Pre-cut fruits and veggies, and stock up on protein-rich snacks like Greek yogurt or boiled eggs.
The key is to make healthy options just as convenient as the indulgent ones. If you’ve got prepped snacks front and center in your fridge, you’re far more likely to reach for those than dig for frozen cookies.
The Power of Changing Your Environment
One of my clients used to struggle every year after the holidays. Her fridge would be packed with leftovers, and she’d end up grazing all day, feeling frustrated with herself.
This year, she decided to take control. She packed up the indulgent foods, shared what she didn’t need, and stocked her fridge with quick, healthy options like turkey chili and chopped veggies.
The result? She avoided post-holiday weight gain for the first time in years. Even better, her energy stayed consistent, and she felt in control.
Recap: Your Holiday Leftover Action Plan
Here’s how to handle your holiday leftovers while staying on track:
Out of sight, out of mind. Store treats where you can’t see them—or let them go.
Donate or share. Spread holiday joy while lightening your own load.
Prep healthy grab-and-go options. Make better choices the easiest choices.
Remember, you’re in control of your environment. These small steps can make a big difference in your energy, cravings, and success—not just during the holidays, but all year long.
Ready for More Support?
If you’re ready to create an environment that supports your goals and fits your busy lifestyle, I’d love to help! In my Metabolic Mastery program, I guide women over 40 to boost their metabolism, balance hormones, and finally lose weight—without restrictive diets.
Click here to learn more and join us today. Let’s make this your healthiest holiday season yet!
