4Real Food Strategies for the Holidays
Life is hard; food doesn't have to be #116 [vol5, 12.1]
Likely the next three weeks involves more than one gathering of people and food. For those mindful of what goes in our bodies, this is a time of great temptation. Here are some strategies I use.
Enjoy the Season
It would be easy to start with a list of don’ts. The fact is this is a season of festivity. Merriment! Joy! Enter not with dread but with a plan.
How I Party with Tempting Food
I try to employ these two guidelines most everyday of the year — but find it especially helpful at holiday parties when surrounded by a glut of sugar. They give me a bit more power of self-control in a weakened state.
→ I choose homemade over store bought treats. ←
For the most part, this decision helps eliminate at least half of the dessert table. By using this strategy, I’m {mostly} avoiding artificial dyes, high fructose corn syrup, and maybe inflammatory seed oils.
→ I choose water over higher calorie drinks. ←
Don’t get me wrong, I love a fun drink and even a cranberry punch. However, for the most part, I am choosing water to drink.
3. Eat Before I Go
I’ve found Proverbs 23:1-2 curious:
When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
observe carefully what is before you,
2 and put a knife to your throat
if you are given to appetite.
I’m not recommending wielding a knife at a party.
When I know I’ll be especially tempted, I eat a little protein before heading out the door. (I give my kids protein too.) This practice is more socially acceptable than putting a knife to your throat in public.
4. Take Real Food
If possible, especially if asked to bring food, take something you’re sure to enjoy. Things I have taken:
hummus and veg
deviled eggs or “egg sliders” with bacon & cheese slices
cheese or individually wrapped cheese sticks
popcorn
trail mix
fruit tray or apples (cut in circles, like around equator), slathered with peanut butter
plate of pickles, olives, nuts
charcuterie /meats - pepperoni, salami, ham
chips/salsa / cheesy meat dip without velveeta!
sausage balls recipe for homemade Bisquick
homemade desserts filled with satiating healthy fats (like eggs and butter)
Most of all, enjoy yourself. Enjoy your people.
Life is hard; food doesn’t have to be.
Julie
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