Miranda Kerr’s Key to Enjoying the Holidays? “Having a Little Indulgence”

For Miranda Kerr, the holidays are all about tradition. And in the Australian model’s family, that means tackling kitchen duties as a team. “My family and I all get together to cook, which is nice because that way we don’t put the pressure on one person,” Kerr told InStyle on Monday, moments before celebrating the 550-pound Swarovski star being raised to the top of New York City’s Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. “Everyone is helping, and that way it’s not too much for just one of us.”

Together, the family puts out quite a spread. “We always have a roast,” said Kerr. “Roast vegetables, roast chicken, roast beef, and gravy.” But her favorite part of the meal isn’t quite as savory. “I’m really looking forward to having the marshmallows on top of the sweet potato,” said Kerr. “That’s something that always reminds me of Thanksgiving. When I was first in America, it was one of the dishes that I tried and really liked—and I like the cranberries, as well.”

Although she does give in to her sweet tooth, the mom of Flynn, 4, finds it important to maintain “some kind of balance” in her diet during the holidays. Her method for staying in shape while enjoying herself? “Having a little indulgence, but not too much,” said Kerr. “You can have just a little, so you don’t feel like you’re missing out when everyone else is over-indulging.” And when a craving strikes, Kerr gives in—but it’s all about moderation. “That way, I don’t feel deprived if I have a little bit of something,” she said. “I’m always conscious of, ‘How do I feel? Do I feel lethargic after I eat this? Do I feel a sugar rush and then feel like I’m going down again?’”

If the answer is yes, then Kerr does her best to prevent a repeat. “I want to avoid that kind of feeling, and I know that what I put in my body has an effect on how I feel,” she said. “So I know that if I’m going to have a little bit of sugar, I’m going to feel this way. And then I say, ‘Oh I can live with that, because it’s worth it.’”

On those occasions, you might as well go all out, according to Kerr. “Whether it’s ice cream, or cake, or pie, whatever it is, enjoy that moment,” she said. “Be present and say, ‘Oh—this is really yummy.’ It’s so much better for your spirit that way instead of saying, ‘No I shouldn’t be eating this.’ Enjoy it.”