How to take advantage of the potlucks while staying on the right track, according to the dietitians

With warmer temperatures and sunny days here, it can only mean one thing: this is the season of meal-shaping. Whether a vacation, a family meeting or a block party – you will attend at least one meal this summer.

With so many food options, many of which are homemade with unknown ingredients, it can be difficult to choose the foods to eat and in the amounts, especially if you want to stay on the right track with your goals.

And if you record your food, things can become even more complicated!

But the meals-playing are supposed to be fun, not stressful. They are intended for family, friends and conversation. Here are some tips directly from a myfitnesspal dietitian on how to enjoy a starting meal without losing momentum.

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Plan in front of a potluck

Before a potluck, it’s a good idea to get into the right mentality, according to Myfitnesspal Dietician Daisy Waanders.

Here are some things that she suggests keeping in mind:

• Balance health objectives by enjoying food and friends
• Take advantage of everything in moderation
• Don’t be hard with you

Waanders also recommends taking a snack before a starting meal. “This can help prevent overexation later,” she says.

Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, head of nutrition for MyfitnessPal, recommends Greek yogurt with healthy fillings like a nutritious and satisfactory snack. Katherine Basbaum, RD, also a dietitian with MyfitnessPal likes the steamed edamame slightly sprinkled with kosher salt.

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Dishes adapted to the notances to share

The best way to promote nutritious choices from Potluck is to bring your own healthy foods, explains Waanders.

Although mixed fruit bowls or vegetarian trays are tested, you may want to spice things up. Here is a list of dishes adapted to the notances which are both aware of health and tasty, perfect for snacking while creating memories.

• Vegan brownies with almond butter are an excellent dessert option with a minimum of sugar and a lot of protein.
• Buffalo cauliflower stings are a delicious tasty diet rich in protein and fiber.
• This 7 -layer dip is an easily shareable dish that goes well with any chip or cracker.
• The cucumber salad is a simple but delicious side.

On experts

Daisy Waanders, RD is a food preservative at MyfitnessPal. She graduated from her baccalaureate in food sciences and the Diet of Colorado State University and finished her dietary internship with the health system goes San Diego. His areas of expertise include advice in kidney diseases, diabetes, weight management and general management of chronic diseases.

Katherine Basbaum, MS, RD is preservative of food data at MyFitnessPal. She obtained her master’s degree in nutritional communication from the Friedman School of Nutrition Science & Policy from Tufts University and completed her dietary internship in Uva Health, where she also works as a nutrition advisor for patients in cardiology.

Melissa Jaeger RD, LD is the head of nutrition for MyfitnessPal. Melissa obtained a Baccalaureate with nutrition arts (DPD) from the College of Saint Benedict and completed his dietary internship through the Iowa State University. In May 2024, she was recognized as the young dietitian of the registered year awarded 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 the two without doing too much.

Practice conscious food techniques

Take small portions of several dishes. Choose some favorites and try a few spoonfuls from each. “If you really like something, you can go back later but make conscious decisions,” said Waanders.

Once you have a full plate, Waanders recommends Separate from where food is And take a seat at a table or outside. This can help relieve the temptation to come back in constant help for another help.

While you eat, talk to Other participants in Potluck. “This can help slow your pace and facilitate the remark of our hunger and full signals in a more appropriate way,” explains Waanders. Not only that, but speaking leads to memories and very fun.

Build your plate

In addition to taking small portions of each dish, you should also be aware of the food you eat. According to Waanders, your sharing plate must consist of about half of the vegetables, half of the proteins and carbohydrates.

To research:

• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Meat meat

As they can be higher in fat and sodium, take smaller games:

• Foods covered with cheese
• Creamy dishes or dips
• Transformed meats

Follow up intelligently

Food monitoring during a potluck can be a little delicate. Instead of worrying about partying it, take a picture of your plate and make the journalization later. If a dish has a note with a list of ingredients, you may want to take a photo to refresh your memory.

If you follow with MyfitnessPal, tools such as voice journalization and the digitization of meals can make journalization more quickly.

Know when to stop eating

This can take up to 30 minutes before you start to feel satisfied when you eat (1). Listen to your body! “Take your time and stop when you start to feel full,” says Waanders. “You can always go back later!”

The bottom line

Party meals do not need to be a scary food event – they actually offer a unique opportunity to practice careful food in a social framework. If you approach these events with intention, potlucks can become valuable experiences to develop healthier eating habits and promote social connections.

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