Submitted by Dani Renouf, RD, MSc, CDE
As we approach the festive season for this unprecedented year, our holiday celebrations will look quite a bit more different than they have in previous years. As a dietitian, we are often promoting the importance of sharing a meal with others and eating together, as it nourishes us both physically and emotionally.
In the absence of certain enjoyments, there is opportunity to innovate and be creative in how you share your holiday spirit and joyous memories with your loved ones, even though you are not in the same room. Here are the top three ways to make the most of your holidays in 2020.
- Eat together – Virtually
It might seem strange, but hosting a video holiday celebration is a great way to connect with friends and family, share happy memories, and even sing and dance to your favourite songs ( this is how you might fit in some physical activity during the colder months). Set the table in a festive way, decorate your virtual meetings background with some seasonal flower arrangements and colors, and spend the time you would normally to prepare your family’s favourite holiday dishes.
- Share your Culinary Secrets
Using photography or video, share your holiday recipes and cooking tips with your friends and family. Perhaps consider setting up a video call to hold a cooking demonstration, while your friends and family follow the recipe along at the same time. You might even have a dish named in your honor!
- Make things festive and healthy at the same time
Although healthy eating is more of challenge when we are isolated and eating alone, please consider the importance of healthy eating during the holiday season. If there is one goal to consider, I would suggest using more vegetables (aim for half the plate per meal) and adding fruit to breakfast and 2 other snacks throughout the day. Fruit and vegetables are a major part of protecting kidney and heart health, so choosing a variety, whether fresh or frozen will be important. In view of the cold weather, a soup is a great way to include more vegetables in the diet. How about trying this delicious zucchini and carrot soup tonight?
Happy Holidays!