What do marshmallows, pumpkins, eggnog, popcorn, and pears have in common? Well, besides being foods associated with holiday recipes, they’re also mentioned in songs about Christmas. You’ll also recognize some less everyday foods like chestnuts , figgy pudding,collard greens and wassail.
We all enjoy our holiday traditions of eating and drinking special foods and beverages; we even sing about them. But these can cause problems for people who need to manage what they eat and drink for medical reasons. Nutritional management is a major part of living with these conditions-
- diabetes and high cholesterol
- celiac disease/gluten sensitivity
- nut and other food allergy
- lactose intolerance
- overweight/obesity
- alcohol dependence
- heart, kidney and liver dysfunction
- pregnancy
TIPS ON PARTY FOOD AND MEAL PLANNING
In the previous post, I advised planning ahead to manage holiday stress, and the same applies to cooking, entertaining and eating during the holiday season.
If you plan and prepare holiday meals and parties, remember some attendees need to avoid or restrict certain types of foods. Offer an ample variety of types of food and drinks so your guests will find something that works for them.
If you have houseguests, they will appreciate your asking them about dietary needs or restrictions so you can have food available to meet their needs.
If you have special needs in regards to food, it may be wise to offer to bring a dish to an event , or take food to eat if you will be someone’s houseguest.
Here are links to some expert advice on holiday cooking and eating.
“Naughty” Holiday Foods from WebMD
Tips for Managing Diabetes from the Centers for Disease Control
Holiday Healthy Eating Guide from the American Heart Association (a printable or downloadable PDF document)
Holiday Feasts -gluten free recipes from Beyond Celiac
Maintaining Sobriety While Celebrating from Addiction Hope
And here’s a bonus link about holiday eating in song-
Recipes from Holiday Carols
Another Advent post soon and next week- a personal holiday remembrance
