Guest post by Laurie Tansman, MS, RD, CDN, a Clinical Nutrition Coordinator at Mount Sinai with over 20 years expertise in cancer, critical care, heart disease, weight management and women’s health. She is also on the faculty of the Department of Preventive Medicine in the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and teaches Public Health in the Master of Public Health Program. She is a known public health advocate who has spoken at the local, state and federal government levels.
But it’s a special occasion…
As we approach Easter and Passover, I’m reminded of an episode of the Sunday news last March, during which a guest chef was preparing favorite dishes for Easter Sunday. The newscaster commented that a few of the recipes didn’t appear to be very healthy, and the chef replied, “but Easter only happens once a year.”
Whatever your religious observance, most religions have several holidays that only occur once a year. Then there are the secular holidays, such as Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, 4th of July, Labor Day and Thanksgiving. These also only occur once a year. Sandwiched between holidays, there are birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations. In the end, hardly a week or two passes that there isn’t some special occasion.
To maintain healthy eating habits, keep in mind that opportunities for indulgences occur all the time, and try to be selective. If you’re the chef, think about how you can make your recipes healthier while still maintaining their delicious taste. When planning your menu, remember it’s all about balance; try to pick one incredible indulgence to serve rather than three.
Also remember: “indulgences” don’t need to be unhealthy! Healthier treats could include the use of an unusual lettuce in your salad, an assortment of mushrooms to accompany your meal, or grilled/roasted asparagus with mustard vinaigrette. If you can find white asparagus, that’s an even bigger treat! Or perhaps your indulgence will be to purchase a beautiful fresh fruit that you wouldn’t purchase on a regular basis, such as fresh dates or figs.
Remember, whether you’re attending or planning one of these special meals, in the end it’s all about balance and redefining the word “indulgence.”