Staying Healthy Through the Holidays: A Gift to Yourself and Your Surrogacy Journey
The holiday season is filled with all the things we love—cozy gatherings, festive treats, and moments that bring friends and family closer together. But it can also be a time when schedules get busier, routines shift, and healthy habits are harder to maintain. For surrogates, this time of year can bring extra considerations as you care for your body and prepare for (or progress through) your journey.
At Road to Baby, we believe healthy living isn’t about perfection, it’s about being intentional. And the holidays are the perfect time to reconnect with why your health matters, not just today, but throughout your entire surrogacy experience.
Why a Healthy Lifestyle Matters in Surrogacy
1. Your Body Is Preparing for Something Extraordinary
Whether you’re in the early screening stages, in a matching phase, or already pregnant, your body is carrying a beautiful responsibility. Balanced nutrition, steady movement, and good rest help support hormonal balance, reproductive health, energy levels, and overall well-being, key foundations for a safe and successful journey.
2. Healthy Habits Create Emotional Stability
The holidays can bring joy, but they can also bring stress. Nourishing meals, hydration, and mindful routines help regulate your mood, improve sleep, and support mental clarity. When your emotional health is cared for, you’re better equipped to navigate appointments, medications, updates, and communication throughout the journey.
3. You Deserve to Feel Your Best
Surrogacy is an incredible act of generosity and strength. Prioritizing your health ensures you feel supported, confident, and grounded. When you feel good in your body, the entire experience becomes more positive, physically and emotionally.
Simple Ways to Stay Healthy During the Holiday Season
Choose a Holiday Eating Style That Feels Good
Instead of restricting, focus on balance. Enjoy your holiday favorites in moderation, while keeping nourishing meals at the center of your day. Lean proteins, colorful veggies, fruits, and whole grains help keep your energy steady through busy schedules.
Keep Your Body Moving—Even In Small Ways
A brisk walk after dessert, stretching in the morning, or a light prenatal-safe workout (if applicable) can boost mood, digestion, and circulation. Movement doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing.
Hydrate, Especially During Festivities
Between travel, salty foods, and seasonal drinks, hydration is key. Keep a water bottle with you as a simple way to stay balanced and energized.
Protect Your Rest
This season can get busy fast. Saying no to one extra event or leaving early to protect your sleep is more than okay—it’s part of caring for your well-being.
Check In With Your Body
If something feels off and you’re experiencing fatigue, stress, discomfort be sure to pause and recalibrate. Your intuition matters.
A Healthy Holiday Recipe to Try
Fueling your body with balanced, nutrient-rich meals doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple, festive recipe that’s both comforting and supportive of your wellness this season:
Maple Roasted Veggie & Quinoa Harvest Bowl
A colorful, nourishing bowl that keeps energy steady and satisfies holiday cravings—without feeling heavy.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 2 cups cubed butternut squash
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 2 tbsp feta cheese (optional)
- Squeeze of fresh lemon
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Toss squash, Brussels sprouts, and onion with olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
- Assemble your bowl with quinoa, roasted veggies, cranberries, pecans, and feta.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
This bowl is rich in fiber, vitamins, healthy fats, and slow-digesting carbs—perfect for maintaining balanced energy during holiday celebrations.
A Healthier Holiday Is a Stronger Journey
Healthy choices aren’t about restriction, they’re about support. They’re a reminder that your body is strong, capable, and worthy of care. And when you nurture yourself through the holidays, you set the tone for a positive, empowered surrogacy experience.
Whether you’re just beginning or already well along the way, Road to Baby is here to encourage, guide, and celebrate you. You’re doing something remarkable, and taking care of your health is one of the most loving things you can do, for yourself, and for the family you’re helping grow.