Holy & Healthy Holiday Plan: 9 Ways to Detox Your Body, Upgrade Your Food, and Align Your Spirit

The Holiday Season is Here: Let’s Make It Holy and Healthy!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—but let’s be real. The holidays can leave us feeling stressed, overbooked, and far from healthy. Between endless to-do lists and indulgences that derail our goals, it’s easy to lose sight of the true reason for the season.

But what if this year could be different? Imagine embracing a calm, Christ-centered holiday that nourishes your heart, strengthens your body, and refreshes your spirit with God’s peace.

In this episode, I’m sharing 9 simple and powerful ways to trade the holiday hustle for holy rest. Together, we’ll shift our focus from the world’s chaos to His presence—and find joy in a healthier, holier season.

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A Holiday Shift: From Stress to Peace in His Presence

I stared at my holiday to-do list, already feeling its weight pressing down on me. Every year, I vowed to keep things simple and focused on what truly matters. Yet here I was again, buried under shopping lists, family events, and endless temptations to indulge. My workouts slipped, my quiet time with God faded, and peace felt like a far-off dream.

One night, overwhelmed and exhausted, I sank into the glow of the Christmas tree lights and whispered, “Lord, there has to be more to this season than stress. Please, help me find Your peace.”

The next morning, I opened my Bible and read Isaiah 26:3:
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

It hit me—peace wasn’t something I had to work for or earn. It wasn’t found in checking off every box on my list. Peace was resting in Him, trusting His presence to guide me through.

That moment changed everything. I chose to stop chasing perfection and instead, simplify my season. I prioritized my time with God, made space for movement, and set realistic boundaries for indulgences. Slowly, the heaviness lifted. For the first time in years, I felt lighter and more present, savoring each tradition with joy instead of pressure.

The holiday season will always come with demands, but it doesn’t have to steal your peace. By anchoring yourself in God’s presence, planning with intention, and prioritizing your spiritual and physical health, you can let go of the hustle and truly embrace a healthier, holier season. Peace isn’t found in a perfect plan—it’s found in Him.

Here is your Holy & Healthy Holiday Plan: 

9 Ways to Detox Your Body, Upgrade Your Food, and Align Your Spirit with God

With a little intentionality and a Christ-centered approach, it’s possible to thrive spiritually and physically throughout the holidays. Here’s how.

1. Set Your Mind on Christ

As Proverbs 23:7 reminds us, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." This powerful verse shows us that winning or losing battles often starts in our minds. The holidays tend to invite plenty of distractions that pull us away from what matters most—Jesus. By focusing on Him as the reason for the season, we can better navigate the challenges that arise.

Practical Steps:

• Start Your Day with Scripture: Even a few minutes can anchor you. Choose a verse to reflect on each morning to keep your heart and mind steady in the busyness.
• Plan Moments of Gratitude: Before any holiday event or gathering, pause and give thanks. A heart of gratitude can reset our minds and shift our focus back to God’s goodness.
• Scriptures to Reflect On: Philippians 4:8, which encourages us to dwell on what is true, noble, and pure, and Romans 12:2, which calls us to renew our minds and not conform to the patterns of the world.

2. Build in Self-Care and Spirit Care

The holiday season can drain our energy, especially when we're prioritizing everyone else’s needs. This year, let’s give ourselves permission to make our own well-being a priority, both physically and spiritually.

Self-Care Tips:

• Set Boundaries: Protect your time for rest, reflection, and worship. Limit overcommitments and find ways to say "no" with grace.
• Plan Christ-Centered Workouts: Combine physical movement with spiritual motivation—listen to worship music or a sermon during your workout to keep Christ at the center.
• Scripture to Reflect on Psalm 145:17-20 The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him”. 

3. Detox Naturally and Spiritually

A natural detox can help our bodies stay strong and refreshed, but a spiritual detox is just as vital. Consider what practices or mindsets you might need to let go of to keep your spirit healthy.

Simple Detox Tips:

• Start Each Morning with Lemon Water: This gentle detox can help your body reset, especially after rich meals.

Foods that detoxify: Add these to your meals for a daily detox-God’s way:

• Asparagus

• Broccoli

• Grapefruit

• Avocado

• Kale

• Artichokes

• Collard greens

• Beets

• Spinach

• Cucumbers

• Berries

• Dandelion greens

• Turmeric 

I could go on and on the listing, but I want to stop and give you a simple rule shop the perimeter of the grocery store. That is where you will find God-made foods. Simple takeaway -Add more vegetables to your plate and choose God-made foods over boxed or bagged food with paragraphs of ingredients. If you can’t pronounce it you probably shouldn’t eat it regularly. 

God Made Ingredient Swaps

Limit Sugar and Processed Foods: Too much sugar can weigh us down physically and mentally. Try reaching for foods that fuel your body and bring energy.

• White Sugar for Whole Sweeteners 

• Raw honey

• Pure maple sugar 

• Monk Fruit

• Date sugar 

• Molasses

• Medjool dates 

• Unsweetened applesauce

• Stevia 

Vegetable Oil for:

• Olive Oil

• Coconut Oil

• Avocado Oil

Baking Swaps:

*If baking swap vegetable oil for olive oil, coconut oil, Avocado oil, or applesauce in a 1-for-1 ratio

• Margarine for Butter 

• All-purpose flour for whole-grain flour, almond flour, gluten-free flour, coconut flour, buckwheat flour, or any whole-grain flour.

• Flavored, Sweetened Yogurt for Whole, Plain Yogurt

• Tortillas and Processed Hamburger Buns for Dave’s Killer Bread Buns or Romaine leaves or ezekiel wraps

• Mashed Potatoes for Cauliflower Mashed

• White Flour Pasta for Whole Grain Pasta or for Zoodles 

Practice Mindful Eating: Savor each bite and avoid hurried, distracted eating. Pray before meals, asking God to nourish both your body and soul.

Practical Food Swaps:

• Swap sugary treats for whole foods: Opt for naturally sweet fruits or unsweetened applesauce instead of processed desserts.
• Choose whole-grain options over refined grains: Whole grains offer more nutrients and help stabilize blood sugar.
• Replace soda with sparkling water: Add a splash of real fruit juice for flavor if you crave something fizzy.

Scripture to Reflect on Psalm 103:5 "[The Lord] satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's" 

4. Stay in Prayer and Worship

Holiday busyness can make it easy to skip time with God, but prayer and worship can be your strongest tools to stay grounded and at peace. Through worship, we find rest and renewal, even in the busiest moments. Worship God, and a good playlist is exactly what you need to turn worry into worship, combat a stressful drive, stop negative thinking, and put some Jesus lovin’ pep back in your Holiday step. And guess what? I made you one, The Ultimate Christian Christmas Playlist

Worship Practices:

• Listen to Worship Music: When you’re driving, wrapping gifts, or preparing meals, put on music that keeps your heart turned toward Jesus.
• Reflect on Scriptures for Peace and Strength: Scriptures like Philippians 4:6 ("Do not be anxious about anything…") and John 14:27 ("Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you") are perfect reminders of God’s peace.

5. Choose Intentional Indulgences

It’s okay to enjoy treats and special meals—it’s part of the joy of the season! But aim to indulge mindfully, making choices that honor our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Mindful Indulgence Tips:

• Decide What’s Worth It: Not every dessert or holiday drink will be meaningful. Choose what you’ll truly enjoy and savor it without guilt.
• Avoid Overeating Out of Stress or Obligation: Food is a gift from God, and so is the ability to enjoy it without overindulgence. Focus on what nourishes both body and soul.
• Practical Indulgence Swaps:
• Replace creamy dips with hummus or Greek yogurt-based dips: These are packed with protein and lower in calories.
• Opt for baked or roasted appetizers instead of fried: Roasted veggies or baked snacks are a healthier alternative.
• Choose dark chocolate over milk chocolate: Dark chocolate has antioxidants and tends to be lower in sugar, making it a more nourishing treat.

Swap out the ice cream for Nice cream: 

• Put frozen banana chunks in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Add dark chocolate chips and a drop of peppermint extract for mint chocolate chip flavor, or if you love chocolate peanut butter ice cream try 2 teaspoons cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, and dark chocolate chips.

Extra Tips:

James 4:8: Come close to God, and God will come close to you. 

6. Decide to maintain, not stress yourself out, trying to lose weight. 

This time of year already has its share of stress, so don’t add to it by beating yourself up or being overly hard on yourself. Aim to maintain.

7. Spend quality time with those you love.

And I don’t just mean time. I mean quality time: turn off phones, turn off screens, get down on the floor with the kids and play, take a walk through the neighborhoods that have Christmas lights, and create family traditions, like reading Luke. I love how Christine Timpe puts it…

Beginning December 1st, read one chapter of Luke each day through December 24th. There are 24 chapters. By Christmas Eve, you will have read all 24 chapters – an entire account of the birth, ministry, sacrifice on the cross, and resurrection of Jesus. You will wake up on Christmas day knowing WHO and WHY we celebrate!

Doing this with your family is a beautiful experience to keep first things first.

8. Give back and give thanks.

A giving and grateful mindset is one set on God’s ways, and I promise you this, this mindset will bring you more joy than you can imagine. Think of ways to give back, adopt a family, pack a gift box for a kids charity, or if you love to bake, get those beautiful Hobby Lobby gift boxes and spread the love and joy, volunteer at a homeless shelter, try to text one person a day, a friend, family member or co-worker how grateful you are for them and tell them how they make a difference in this world.. Think about that elderly or lonely neighbor, this is the time to share Jesus!

Reflect on Scripture Matthew 25:40 “Inasmuch as you did these things for one of the least of these my brethren, you did it unto me." 

Years ago, I started a gratitude journal have you done this? I highly recommend it. There’s nothing like looking back at all God has done and how He has blessed you.

9. Close the Day with Peaceful Reflection and Prayer

Ask God to help prepare your heart and mind for the hard times and the difficult family members or friendships you know you will have to face. Family dynamics can be tough, but they’re family, and they’re here to stay! So instead of dreading and running away from these challenging moments, shift your mindset and pray for God to help heal old hurts and help you grow. 

As you wind down each night, take a few moments to reflect on your day with God. Where did you feel His presence? What brought you joy, and where did you need His peace? This practice can help you end each day feeling renewed and ready for whatever comes next.

Reflect on Scripture  2 Corinthians 10:3-5: Through prayer, you can take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ. 

A Prayer for the Holiday Season

Dear God,

As the holidays draw near, help us to make this season about You. Let our hearts overflow with Your peace, not the pressures of perfection. Guide us to find joy in fellowship, kindness, and being Your hands and feet, rather than striving to create a picture-perfect holiday.

Draw us close to You, Lord. Help us to focus on what truly matters—celebrating the gift of Jesus

Help us embrace a Holy and Healthy Holiday Plan. Guide us to detox not just our bodies, but our hearts and minds from stress, comparison, and anything that pulls us away from You. Show us how to upgrade our food choices to the foods You made for us, and align our spirits with Your truth, making this season one of peace and purpose.

Prompt our hearts be set on fellowship, gratitude, and being Your hands and feet to those around us. Strengthen us physically, renew us mentally, and anchor us spiritually in You.

Thank You for the beauty of this season and for the joy that comes when we choose Your way.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Let’s go into this holiday season with a holy and healthy mindset, inviting God into every aspect of our days. May we find joy in His presence, peace in His promises, and strength to glorify Him in all we do.

Prefer to listen on the go? Tune in to the Strong. Confident. His. podcast for even more encouragement and practical tips!

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God bless you and your family this holiday season! 

Remember, You are Strong. Confident. His.