Well 2020 turned out to be a pretty weird/challenging/devastating/testing year. All of us have been affected in one way or another. And our holidays are likely not looking like any others in memory.
For some of you, the behavior that a pandemic requires of you brings back memories of being in treatment and avoiding large gatherings and sick people, or wearing masks to protect yourself.
For some of you, like me, this year has tested our resolve to find something positive in the mess. But one of the big positives has been the opportunity to continue connecting to you all!
One silver lining of doing most of my work from home, was the chance to increase the virtual programming that I offer, both for our clients at Cancer Services, and for Cancer Dietitian followers. Some of you are both of those!
Starting in June, I offered monthly webinars and virtual cooking classes. I plan to continue that into 2021. I hope you join me for one of my programs in January!
Thoughts on Holiday Eating
When it comes to holiday eating, I have a few previous articles that I will point you to. But the bottom line is that you should enjoy your holiday meals, and leave out the comments about how much fat or calories or other nutrients are in it. Focus on the deliciousness, and the company (virtual or otherwise!).
Holiday Recipe Favorites!
Here are some of my fav recipes to have with my holiday meals:
- SAVE OVEN SPACE AND COOK YOUR TURKEY BREAST IN AN INSTANT POT!
- Kale Salad – SO GOOD! Always the first dish finished!
- GARLIC & CHIVES MASHED POTATOES – DELICIOUS EVEN WITH SKIN ON!
- Holiday Recipes: Citrus Ginger Cranberry Sauce – Tangy and sweet!
- HOLIDAY RECIPE: HEALTHIFIED SPINACH DIP!
- Vegan Pumpkin Pie – Yes, It’s Delicious!
- Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Pie
If you’re having a smaller than normal group to cook for this year (and I would suggest that is the wisest approach!) – you can just pick a couple of sides to go with your main dish and call it a day. Leftovers are always great, and many (potatoes, stuffing, ham or turkey and cranberries) will freeze well.
If it’s just one or two of you together for the holidays this year, you could get a few friends/neighbors and each make a side dish that you leave on each other’s porches.
Another fun alternative would be a dessert exchange. Decide a time and outdoor place that you bring your goodies and do your exchange. Then join on zoom as you enjoy them together with a hot cup of tea.
You are also permitted to take a pass on the holiday meal and snuggle up with a movie or a good book and do a make up gathering once it’s safe.
No matter how you decide to celebrate this holiday season, I hope your blessings exceed your griefs, and that we all enter 2021 with hope, joy and taking nothing for granted.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Etc!
– Julie
PS – I hope you’ll join the next Eat the Rainbow Fruit & Veggie Challenge starting Jan 11th! Find info at cancerdietitian.com/rainbow.
