The right way to Take pleasure in Potlucks Whereas Staying on Observe, 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 will probably solely imply one factor: it’s potluck season. Whether or not it’s a vacation, household get-together, or block social gathering—you’re certain to attend at the least one potluck this summer season.

With so many meals choices, lots 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 monitor along with your targets.

And if you happen to’re logging your meals, issues can get much more difficult!

However potlucks are presupposed to be enjoyable, not irritating. They’re meant for household, mates, and dialog. Listed below are some ideas straight from a MyFitnessPal dietitian on find out how to take pleasure in a potluck with out dropping momentum.

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="640" src="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dining-out-tips-1024x640.jpg" alt="Dining out tips to make fast food healthier | MyFitnessPal" class="wp-image-62524 size-full" srcset="https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dining-out-tips-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dining-out-tips-300x188.jpg 300w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dining-out-tips-768x480.jpg 768w, https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/dining-out-tips.jpg 1504w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> You may also like

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Planning Earlier than a Potluck

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

Listed below are some issues she suggests you take into account:

Steadiness well being targets with having fun with meals and mates

Take pleasure in every part moderately

Don’t be laborious 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 vitamin 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 decisions is to carry wholesome meals of your personal, says Waanders.

Whereas blended fruit bowls or veggie trays are tried and true, chances are you'll need to spice issues up. Right here’s a listing of potluck-friendly dishes which might be each health-conscious and flavorful, excellent for munching on whereas creating recollections.

Vegan Almond Butter Brownies are an ideal dessert choice with minimal quantities of sugar, and many 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 a straightforward however scrumptious facet.

Concerning the Consultants

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 embrace counseling in kidney illness, Diabetes, weight administration and basic administration of power ailments.

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

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

What to Do Throughout a Potluck

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

Follow Conscious Consuming Strategies

Take small parts of a number of dishes. Decide a couple of favorites and take a look at a couple of spoonfuls of every. “Should you actually take pleasure in one thing, you may return later for extra however make acutely aware choices,” Waanders says.

When you’ve obtained a full plate, Waanders recommends separating your self from the place the meals is and taking a seat at a desk or exterior. This can assist ease the temptation of continually going again for one more serving to.

Whilst you eat, speak to different potluck attendees. “This can assist gradual your tempo and make it simpler to note our starvation and fullness cues extra appropriately,” Waanders says. Not solely that, however speaking results in recollections 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. Based on Waanders, your potluck plate ought to be made up of about half greens, and half protein and carbohydrates.

Search for:

Greens

Fruit

Lean meats

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

Meals lined in cheese

Creamy dishes or dips

Processed meats

Observe Sensible

Monitoring meals throughout a potluck could be a little tough. As a substitute of worrying about doing it on the social gathering, 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.

Should you monitor with MyFitnessPal, instruments like Voice Logging and meal scan could make logging sooner.

Know When to Cease Consuming

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

The Backside Line

Potlucks don’t should be a fearful meals occasion—they really provide a singular alternative to observe aware consuming in a social setting. Should you method these occasions with intention, potlucks can develop into useful experiences for growing more healthy consuming habits and fostering social connections.