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I often get asked what I eat around the holidays. Folks tend to assume that because I’m a nutritionist and in good shape that I must be super strict with my diet and don’t indulge in festive treats.
Often it’s asked with a twinge of guilt or self-consciousness, like I’m the strong one with all the willpower, and they’re just weak and mortal. (We’re all mortal!)
This always makes me a little sad! No one should feel guilty for enjoying food during the holidays with their friends or family.
There are foods that will make you feel slow, tired and crappy. And there are foods that will make you feel light, energized and happy.
I think we assume everything we put on the Christmas dinner table is going to be the first one.
Sweet potatoes with marshmallows, mashed potatoes and gravy, cornbread stuffing, more gravy, ham glazed in honey, deviled eggs, dinner rolls, and pie. Always pie.
There are no rules for what you can or cannot make for Christmas dinner.
Since I’m setting the menu this year, I’m choosing to make food that 1) I enjoy eating and 2) will make me feel light, energized and happy.
Will I also eat something in the other group? Yes, yes I will. (Pie. I’ll probably eat pie.)
Will I technically eat more calories than burn that day? Oh, definitely.
So what am I cooking for Christmas dinner?
We always start off with a charcuterie board to snack on while we’re cooking. It’s always a mix of cured meats, various cheeses, veggies, pickles, dips and crackers.
For our main dish, I’m planning to make a warm comforting pot roast in the instant pot. Carrots, onions, potatoes, mushrooms maybe?
We always need plenty of sides, and I love making roasted Brussels sprouts with shallots and bacon. I mean, anytime you throw bacon on something, it’s a crowd pleaser.
I think we need another veggie, so I’ll slice up a butternut squash and roast that in the airfryer with some olive oil, salt and seasonings.
Finally, I’m thinking a side of wild rice with chopped walnuts and dried cranberries. I’ve made this before, and it came out great, and worked well with the other flavors.
But, I might also want to make some polenta? Because I gotta say, pot roast and polenta sound pretty damn good together.
Yes, we will have cookies, and pie, and ice cream, and other treats. Will I have some? Yes.
Will I overindulge until I feel like crap? Not if I can help it.
I’m making food that I know will nourish me, but will also make me happy. I’m probably also going to eat too much.
If you don’t want to feel bad about your food choices this holiday, then don’t eat food that makes you feel bad.
But if you DO eat something that makes you feel not so great, or even if you just eat too much, please don’t let this get you down.
It’s just one day. You don’t have to get it right all of the time.
Enjoy the food. Enjoy the company, whoever you are spending the time with. And if you’re not spending it with anyone, enjoy your alone time.
I’ll be pretty quiet next week, so I wish you and your family a merry Christmas, a wonderful holiday, and a happy new year.
After all the hubbub, we should talk about your health goals for the new year and how I can help.
Ready? Let’s go!
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