With warmer temperatures and sunny days here, it can only mean one thing: it is Potluck season. Whether it is a holiday, family meeting or block party-you are sure to attend at least one potluck this summer.
With so many food options, many homemade with unknown ingredients, it can be difficult to choose which food you should eat and in what amounts, especially if you want to stay on your way with your goals.
And if you log in your food, things can become even more complicated!
But potlucks are supposed to be fun, not stressful. They are meant for family, friends and a conversation. Here are some tips directly from a myfitnesspal -dietician about how you can enjoy a potluck without losing a momentum.
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Planning for a Potluck
Before a potluck it is a good idea to get into the right mindset, according to myfitnesspal dietician Daisy Waanders.
Here are some things that she suggests that you keep in mind:
- Bring health goals in balance with enjoying food and friends
- Enjoy everything in moderation
- Don’t be hard for yourself
Waanders also recommends having a snack for a potluck. “This can help you eat too much later,” she says.
Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, food head for MyfitnessPal, recommends Greek yogurt with healthy toppings as a nutritious and satisfying snack. Katherine Basbaum, RD, also a dietician with myfitnesspal loves steamed edamame light sprinkled with kosher salt.
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Potluck-friendly dishes to share
The best way to promote nutritious Potluck choices is by bringing healthy food yourself, says Waanders.
While mixed fruit bowls or vegetarian trays are tested and where, you might want to brighten up things. Here is a list of Potluck-friendly dishes that are both health-conscious and tasteful, perfect for chewing while they create memories.
- Vegan almond butter brownies are a great dessert option with minimal amounts of sugar and lots of proteins.
- Buffalo cauliflower bites Are a wonderfully savory fingered food that is rich in proteins and fibers.
- This 7 -Laagip is an easily divisible dish that combines well with any chip or cracker.
- Cucumber salad is a simple but wonderful side.
About the experts
Daisy Waanders, RD is a food data curator at MyfitnessPal. She graduated with her Bachelors of Food Science and Dietetics of the Colorado State University and completed her internship at the VA San Diego Healthcare System. Her areas of expertise include counseling in kidney disease, diabetes, weight management and general management of chronic diseases.
Katherine Basbaum, MS, RD Is Food Data Curator at MyfitnessPal. She received her masters in Nutrition Communication from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy at Tufts University and completed her internship at UVA Health, where she also works as a nutrition advisor for patients with cardiology.
Melissa Jaeger RD, LD is the head of food for myfitnesspal. Melissa received a Bachelor of Arts in Nutrition (DPD) from the College of Saint Benedict and completed her internship via Iowa State University. In May 2024 she was recognized as the registered Young Dietitian of the Year by the Minnesota Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
What to do during a potluck
Potlucks are all about good food and good company. These simple strategies will help you enjoy both without exaggerating.
Practice mindful Eette techniques
Take small portions From multiple dishes. Choose a few favorites and try a few spoons of each. “If you really enjoy something, you can go back later for more, but make conscious decisions,” says Waanders.
Once you have a full plate, Waanders recommends separate yourself from where the food is And sit at a table or outside. This can help to facilitate the temptation to constantly return for another help.
Talk while you eat Other Potluck – “This can help to slow your pace and make it easier to notice our hunger and fullness instructions in the right way,” says Waanders. Not only that, but talking leads to memories made and fun fun.
Build your plate
In addition to taking small portions of each dish, you also have to take into account which food you eat. According to Waanders, your Potluck plate must consist of about half of the vegetables and half proteins and carbohydrates.
Search for:
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Lean meat
Since they can be more fat and sodium, you take smaller parts of:
- Food covered with cheese
- Creamy dishes or dips
- Processed meat
Follow smart
Following food during a potluck can be a bit tricky. Instead of worrying about the party, take a picture of your plate and do the logging later. If a dish has a note with an ingredient list, you might want a photo of that to renew your memory.
If you follow at MyfitnessPal, such as tools such as Speech logic registration And meal scan Can make logging faster.
Know when to stop eating
It can take up to 30 minutes before you start to feel full when you eat (1). Listen to your body! “Take the time and stop when you start to feel full,” says Waanders. “You can always go back later for more!”
The Bottom Line
Potlucks do not have to be anxious food event – they actually offer a unique opportunity to practice conscious food in a social environment. If you approach these events with intention, Potlucks can become valuable experiences for developing healthier eating habits and promoting social connections.
Post How you can enjoy potlucks while staying on the right track, according to dietitians first appeared on Myfitnesspal blog.