We had Daphne share her secrets to making it through family holidays without losing your appetite.

MY: What elements come to mind when you plan a perfect holiday morning full of diverse tastes and ages?

Daphne Oz: Coffee and tea all around, a crackling fire, and our favorite songs of the season playing… this is my ideal holiday morning! We usually celebrate holidays at my grandparents’ farm. For breakfast everyone squishes into the kitchen anywhere they can find a seat for sunny-side-up egg sandwiches. They’re easy to make in big batches and can be customized for vegetarians and meat lovers. I add a layer of melting cheddar cheese, pickled jalapeños, and special sauce – mayo, ketchup, sometimes Frank’s Red Hot, and sometimes chipotle in adobo – all tucked onto a toasty English muffin. We take care of the sweet cravings with a traditional pecan and brown sugar danish or creme brûlée French toast. In case you’re tempted, the recipe for this epically delicious treat is on my website, DaphneOz.com.

MY: How do you stay true to your own health needs and goals when generations and relatives collide?

DO: Honestly, holidays are not the time I worry much about my health goals. I think it’s critically important to long-term happiness that we let ourselves celebrate and enjoy those special holidays we think about all year long. At the same time, my genuine love for healthy foods is something that’s rooted in the traditions we were raised with. Most of our lunches and dinners begin with gorgeous salads (in the big wooden bowl!), and we always have veggies and legumes or whole grains on the table. It ends up being that the less overtly healthy options are often treated as delicious sides or part of a wonderful ensemble on my plate rather than the only thing I focus on. But you won’t find me skipping the pumpkin pie or the delight of dunking Christmas cookies in a mug of creamy Earl Grey tea anytime soon.

MY: How can we gently introduce dietary awareness to less health-conscious family members?

DO: My family are all pretty health conscious, active people. Organizing a big game like football or basketball, capture-the-flag, or just long walks to get everyone out of the house for a bit is a great way to get family members on board with a little health over the holidays. Make it feel like a group activity they’re welcome to participate in, rather than a lecture about what they should or shouldn’t be eating. We also make sure to have plenty of variety on our holiday table to satisfy a range of different eating styles. “Eat Your Heart Out” is all about creating clean, wholesome meals that feel celebratory and indulgent. A huge part of making healthy living sustainable and fun is feeling like you’re always getting more than you’re giving up. I focus on the abundance and making dishes that remind you they’re delicious before you remember they’re also going to make you feel good.

MY: How do you eat mindfully amidst the seasonal chaos and indulgences?

DO: Holidays are definitely a time when stress and emotions run high, and good, healthy routines that keep us balanced throughout the year can fall by the wayside. To make sure I’m not stealing my own joy of the season by rushing through it, I remind myself to finish chewing and to take a breath before adding the next mouthful to my fork. Incorporating this pause into eating prolongs the meal, can help you digest better, and gives your brain time to catch up to your body as you start to feel full. Being present in the moment lets me eat well AND enjoy every bite!