Dietitian Holiday Eating Tips
Enjoy this guest post from our partner dietitian Amy Slabaugh, RDN
Holiday times are coming! Food is often the centerpiece of how we celebrate these holidays. For anyone who may be having mixed feelings about holiday eating here are a few tips.
For those who find themselves eating more than they want to at holiday times
Resist the tendency to label foods as “bad” or call yourself “bad” for enjoying holiday treats. Instead practice some mindfulness when enjoying your favorite foods. Tune in to what you’re eating: stop, notice, savor. And listen to your body to tell you when you’ve had enough. You may find that the first few bites of a food are the most satisfying, and after that the enjoyment goes down. Feel free to stop eating once the enjoyment is gone.
For those who have food restrictions that keep them from eating freely
Social connectedness is a big part of the holidays, and a big part of health! You don’t want your food restrictions to keep you from enjoying holiday get-togethers and meals. If you’re worried about there not being enough safe foods at a party, you can eat before you go, so you don’t arrive needing a whole meal, and snack on any safe foods that are there. If going to a potluck, bring a dish to share and a small plate of safe foods for yourself, so you know you will at least have more than one food to eat.
For those who want to focus on healthy eating
Healthy eating isn’t always about saying no, it is about balance. Consider taking a “yes and” approach to eating. Instead of focusing on all of the foods you think you should say no to, feel free to say “yes” to your favorite foods and follow it up with an “and” to include foods that can balance out your meal. Turkey smothered in gravy? “Yes, and a serving of green beans too.” A piece of pumpkin pie with whipped cream? “Yes, and a side of fresh cut fruit too.”
Would you like help navigating your holiday eating? I’d love to hear from you!