Healthy holiday parties and meals

November 25, 2020

‘Tis the season of holiday celebrations and though you will likely be celebrating differently this year because of COVID-19, you can still have fun.

Celebrations are important, even if you won’t be together in person with your family and friends this year. You can still make special memories while everyone stays safe in their own homes.

Here are some ideas for virtual gatherings:

Make it official by creating a guest list. Set a date and time and invite friends and family to attend.
Create a menu. Send your favorite healthy recipes and ask your dinner companions to vote on dishes they would like to include on your holiday menu. Then decide on the menu and have each family prepare the same meal.
Set the scene. Deck your halls with music and holiday décor.
Say, “Cheers!” No holiday celebration is complete without a toast. Suggest healthy beverage options.
Move more. Once you have finished the meal, do something active and fun together. Have a dance party or play an active game such as charades together virtually.
Be well. Do something together for your well-being. Practice gratitude, meditation or share what you are thankful for.
Have a gift exchange virtually so you can see each other open gifts as if you were there in person.

In addition to staying safe by celebrating the holidays in your own home, you can also focus on your health by eating well during your holiday meals:

Cook and enjoy healthy versions of your favorite holiday foods.
Eat healthy the rest of the day before your holiday celebration. Focus on low-calorie, high-fiber options such as whole-grain breads and cereals, fruit, vegetables and nuts for meals and snacks. If you are famished when it is time for your holiday meal, you are more likely to overeat.
Focus on eating small portions and choose foods that are high in fiber and low in fat, sugar and salt.

Information provided by Joan Plummer, dietitian and diabetes educator at Columbus Community Hospital.