As the holidays are approaching are you feeling the added mental load and stress?
The food prep and extra cooking.
The presents, shopping and wrapping.
The work of making the holidays “magical” for your little ones.
It’s a lot! I’m feeling it too.
I encourage you this season to think about two things:1. What would bring your family, and in particular YOU, joy this year. Write it down.Focus on that list and let other things go.
2. Think about how you can simplify your holidays, including food.
Here is a really simple idea that can be used for a fun, easy and tasty holiday meal template for your family.
I use the work template as it provides the basic structure with plenty of options and room for customization for your family and preferences.
Back story: in my family, traditionally we would attend a candlelight Christmas service at my church every Christmas Eve.
The candles, the carols, the people…I found it magical.
Then we would all go to my grandparents home for a late dinner and presents (which was the best as a kid!)
My grandmother (Omi) would serve “Faspa” which is a cold, finger food meal.
Bread, cheese, cold cuts, pre-cooked farmer sausage, condiments, pickles and lots of Christmas baking.
This year I’m hosting this meal at my own home, and will be serving the same traditional foods I find bring me joy.
Three Ingredient, No Cook Holiday Meal Template
Hand held protein rich food
Hand held carbohydrate rich food
Fruit or vegetable
Here are some ideas for customizing this and adding in other items!
Cheeses - Boursin, cream cheese, gouda, brie, smoked cheddar, marble, etc.
Deli meats - smoked ham, dry salami, prosciutto, smoked salmon, liver pâté, etc.
Crackers/bread - plain crackers, seedy crackers, Triscuits, rice crackers, rye bread, pumpernickel, bread sticks, buns, gluten free crackers or bread, etc.
Condiments - mustards, cranberry sauce, dips, jam, etc.
Fruits - grapes, orange slices, melon cubes, pineapple, kiwi, berries, etc.
Vegetables - cucumbers, baby carrots, celery, pepper slices, etc.
Extras - olives, roasted nuts, dried fruit, sweets, chocolate, baking
What combinations sound good to you?
Here’s to a peaceful and joyful holiday for you and your family.
Warmly,
Amy
Your dietitian doula
P.S. - Are you feeling:
Overwhelmed by mealtime chaos?
Dreading the questions "what's for dinner?"
Worried you're not feeding your family well enough?
A course for busy parents who want to spend less time and energy in the kitchen without compromising on nutrition for their family.
Food doesn't have to be so hard!
Here's what you'll learn:
- Foundations of a healthy meal
- Basic food planning
- Strategies for easier shopping and food prep
- Meal ideas for struggle days
- Creating support around food
I made this as simple and easy as possible.
You'll get:
- Six short audio lessons delivered via email (5 minutes or less)
- Resources and templates
- A digital 50 recipe book with meals you can make with 6 ingredients or less in under 30 minutes
Want to start 2024 with a better strategy around food?
P.P.S. - A bonus that I'm including if you join before Dec 16, 2023 is a recipe book with TEN holiday recipes that use FIVE ingredients or less!
Let me take some holiday food prep stress off of your plate.
Comments