When the holidays come around, it usually means cookies, goodies, and feasting with friends or family. Each family has its own traditions and treats that are a “must” every holiday season. For us, that means ebelskivers (we substitute dairy for dairy free), Christmas crunch and kolackys (family recipe). This can be such a bright and enjoyable time, but when you are on a meal plan or have a specific diet due to weight loss, sensitivities, or allergies, it can add an extra layer of stress to the holiday season.
Over the past decade, I have unfortunately had many food allergies or sensitivities come to the surface. It comes in waves depending on my seasonal allergies since that is the main culprit behind my food allergies (otherwise known as cross-reactivity allergies – to be discussed deeper in a different blog post). This adds stress to my daily life, but it is heightened during times when we are traveling and especially around the holidays. Thankfully, my husband is a whiz in the kitchen and graciously offered to make me separate batches of goodies that were dairy, soy, and nut free so I could still join in on the festivities.
This leads me into a subtopic, which is my take on nutrition overall. I believe that moderation is key and cheat days make meal plans exciting! As someone who did not get a choice in having to cut out food groups, I want to give others the freedom to enjoy what they are eating and not become legalistic with their diets. There are many fad diets and meal plans that are not sustainable long term and lead people to detest nutrition. Meal plans can be beneficial when done in a way that allows a person to eat healthier options while still enjoying their food too.
Maybe you are someone who identifies with this completely; maybe you are someone who is still figuring out your nutrition journey; or maybe you have given up entirely and are tired of trying. Nutrition, meal plans, and diets are a lot of work! It can be lonely when you are with people and are watching them eat something that smells amazing but you can’t have. No matter where you are in your process, you are not alone in it. You can still find your strength and be the version of *you* that you want to be!
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