Tips on how to Get pleasure from Potlucks Whereas Staying on Monitor, In accordance Dietitians

[ad_1] <img width="800" height="449" src="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/how-to-enjoy-potlucks-while-staying-on-track-1024x575.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large wp-post-image" alt="How to Enjoy Potlucks While Staying on Track, According Dietitians | MyFitnessPal" decoding="async" srcset="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/how-to-enjoy-potlucks-while-staying-on-track-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/how-to-enjoy-potlucks-while-staying-on-track-300x169.jpg 300w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/how-to-enjoy-potlucks-while-staying-on-track-768x432.jpg 768w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/how-to-enjoy-potlucks-while-staying-on-track.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /> With hotter temperatures and sunny days right here, it may possibly solely imply one factor: it’s potluck season. Whether or not it’s a vacation, household get-together, or block occasion—you’re sure to attend at the least one potluck this summer season.

With so many meals choices, a lot of that are home made with unfamiliar substances, it may be tough to select what meals to eat and in what quantities, particularly if you wish to keep on observe along with your targets.

And in case you’re logging your meals, issues can get much more difficult!

However potlucks are imagined to be enjoyable, not anxious. They’re meant for household, associates, and dialog. Listed here are some ideas straight from a MyFitnessPal dietitian on tips on how to take pleasure in a potluck with out shedding momentum.

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Planning Earlier than a Potluck

Earlier than a potluck, it’s a good suggestion to get into the appropriate mindset, in line with MyFitnessPal dietitian Daisy Waanders.

Listed here are some issues she suggests you take into accout:

Steadiness well being targets with having fun with meals and associates

Get pleasure from every little thing sparsely

Don’t be arduous on your self

Waanders additionally recommends having a snack earlier than a potluck. “This may occasionally assist stop overeating later,” she says.

Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, head of diet for MyFitnessPal, recommends Greek yogurt with wholesome toppings as a nutritious and satisfying snack. Katherine Basbaum, RD, additionally a dietitian with MyFitnessPal likes steamed edamame evenly sprinkled with kosher salt.

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Potluck-Pleasant Dishes to Share

The easiest way to advertise nutritious potluck selections is to carry wholesome meals of your personal, says Waanders.

Whereas blended fruit bowls or veggie trays are tried and true, it's possible you'll need to spice issues up. Right here’s an inventory of potluck-friendly dishes which are each health-conscious and flavorful, good for munching on whereas creating reminiscences.

Vegan Almond Butter Brownies are an ideal dessert choice with minimal quantities of sugar, and plenty of protein.

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a scrumptious savory finger meals wealthy in protein and fiber.

This 7 Layer Dip is an simply shareable dish that pairs properly with any chip or cracker.

Cucumber Salad is an easy however scrumptious facet.

In regards to the Specialists

Daisy Waanders, RD is a Meals Knowledge Curator at MyFitnessPal. She graduated along with her bachelors of Meals Science and Dietetics from Colorado State College and accomplished her dietetic internship with the VA San Diego Healthcare system. Her areas of experience embody counseling in kidney illness, Diabetes, weight administration and common administration of power ailments.

Katherine Basbaum, MS, RD is Meals Knowledge Curator at MyFitnessPal. She obtained her Masters in Diet Communication from the Friedman Faculty of Diet Science & Coverage at Tufts College and accomplished her Dietetic Internship at UVA Well being, the place she additionally works as a diet counselor for cardiology sufferers.

Melissa Jaeger RD, LD is the Head of Diet for MyFitnessPal. Melissa obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Diet (DPD) from the School of Saint Benedict and accomplished her dietetic internship by way of Iowa State College. In Might 2024 she was acknowledged because the Registered Younger Dietitian of the 12 months awarded by the Minnesota Academy of Diet and Dietetics.

What to Do Throughout a Potluck

Potlucks are all about good meals and good firm. These easy methods will make it easier to take pleasure in each with out overdoing it.

Follow Aware Consuming Strategies

Take small parts of a number of dishes. Decide just a few favorites and check out just a few spoonfuls of every. “If you happen to actually take pleasure in one thing, you possibly can return later for extra however make aware selections,” Waanders says.

When you’ve received a full plate, Waanders recommends separating your self from the place the meals is and taking a seat at a desk or exterior. This may help ease the temptation of regularly going again for an additional serving to.

Whilst you eat, speak to different potluck attendees. “This may help sluggish your tempo and make it simpler to note our starvation and fullness cues extra appropriately,” Waanders says. Not solely that, however speaking results in reminiscences made and good enjoyable.

Construct Your Plate

Along with taking small parts of every dish, you also needs to be aware of what meals you’re consuming. In response to Waanders, your potluck plate needs to be made up of about half greens, and half protein and carbohydrates.

Search for:

Greens

Fruit

Lean meats

Since they might be larger in fats and sodium, take smaller parts of:

Meals coated in cheese

Creamy dishes or dips

Processed meats

Monitor Sensible

Monitoring meals throughout a potluck could be a little tough. As an alternative of worrying about doing it on the occasion, snap a photograph of your plate and do the logging later. If a dish has a observe with an substances checklist, you may need to take an image of that to refresh your reminiscence, as properly.

If you happen to observe with MyFitnessPal, instruments like Voice Logging and meal scan could make logging sooner.

Know When to Cease Consuming

It could take as much as half-hour earlier than you begin to really feel full whenever you’re consuming (1). Hearken to your physique! “Take your time and cease whenever you begin to really feel full,” Waanders says. “You'll be able to all the time return for extra later!”

The Backside Line

Potlucks don’t need to be a fearful meals occasion—they really provide a novel alternative to follow aware consuming in a social setting. If you happen to method these occasions with intention, potlucks can grow to be useful experiences for creating more healthy consuming habits and fostering social connections.