Catherine M. Champagne,
PHD, RDN, LDN, FADA, FAND, FTOS, FAHA, FASN
Professor, Nutritional Epidemiology/Dietary Assessment & Nutrition Counseling
Pennington Biomedical
How can I enjoy holiday meals without overdoing it?
Don’t skip meals. Have a light snack, preferably with a little protein, so that you don’t get to the table overly hungry. Pace your eating and look over the entire table of goodies before filling your plate. When you do fill your plate with your favorite foods, do so in moderation as to not get overstuffed. Consider filling at least half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables or a fresh salad first, with smaller portions of higher calorie items
What is one small shift people can make to enjoy the holidays while supporting their health?
Several things come to mind here. Drinking water before eating may help and supports digestion. Smaller servings and making sure that your plate has a balanced mix of protein, veggies, and maybe a favorite small treat helps you enjoy food without feeling overly sluggish or stuffed. Finally, a brief 15-minute walk after the meal helps to aid digestion while keeping your energy level steady.
What should we look for when building our plate at a holiday buffet?
When building your plate at a holiday buffet, the best approach is to prioritize nutrient-dense protein and vegetables first. Choose these to fill you up and leave a little space for your favorite holiday treat. This approach helps you enjoy the holiday feast by not focusing on potentially rich desserts or other holiday treats.
6400 Perkins Rd. | 225-763-2500 | pbrc.edu
