A Dietitian’s Top 5 Tips For Holiday Parties

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, holiday foods. We know how important it is to find a balance between enjoyment and your health goals. We understand the challenges that arise during this time of year, so we’ve compiled a list of 5 tips to help you navigate holiday parties while supporting your goals.

1. Bring a Dish You Would Like to Eat

One of the best strategies for ensuring appropriate options are available is to bring a dish yourself. Whether you’re aiming to eat more veggies, or stick to a particular plan, contributing a dish that aligns with your goals ensures there’s at least one option you can enjoy without worry!

2. Focus on Fiber

One nutrient that is often lacking around the holidays is fiber. Fiber is essential for regulating your body’s use of sugar, for ensuring a healthy digestive tract, and for lowering unhealthy cholesterol levels. Yet, it is a nutrient that is often lacking especially during the holiday season. Fill up your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and nuts to make sure you’re getting enough and feeling your best throughout the holidays!

3. Don’t Skip Meals or Save Up Your Calories

Skipping meals may seem like it’s saving you calories in the long run, but it often leads to overeating later on. It’s better to eat regular, balanced meals to stabilize your blood sugar levels and avoid binging later on. You can enjoy all your favorites without “saving up” for them.

4. Find Your Highlight Reel

Identify the foods you truly look forward to during the holidays and savor them. Rather than mindlessly sampling everything, choose a few special treats that bring you joy. Realizing you don’t have to eat everything offered to you, and focusing on the items that hold sentimental value, can help prevent overdoing it at holiday meals.

5. Set Boundaries with Food Pushers

Holiday gatherings often involve well-meaning friends and family urging you to eat foods you would prefer to pass on, or urge you to go back for seconds when you are already feeling full. Politely but firmly communicate your dietary preferences and limits. Declining food offered to you (or taking it home and not eating it) is not rude, it is doing what is best for you.

We hope that with these tips and reassurance, you can feel more confident navigating holiday parties without sacrificing your goals. Remember, the holidays are about joy, connection, and celebration – and that includes savoring delicious food in a mindful and balanced way. Cheers to a healthy and happy holiday season! If you would like to speak to a dietitian this holiday season, reach out to scheduling@casespecificnutrition.com

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