Find out 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 might solely imply one factor: it’s potluck season. Whether or not it’s a vacation, household get-together, or block get together—you’re sure to attend no less than one potluck this summer time.

With so many meals choices, a lot of that are selfmade with unfamiliar elements, 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 in case you’re logging your meals, issues can get much more difficult!

However potlucks are presupposed to be enjoyable, not anxious. They’re meant for household, mates, and dialog. Listed here are some ideas straight from a MyFitnessPal dietitian on tips on how to get pleasure from a potluck with out shedding 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 best mindset, in accordance with MyFitnessPal dietitian Daisy Waanders.

Listed here are some issues she suggests you consider:

Steadiness well being targets with having fun with meals and mates

Get pleasure from all the things carefully

Don’t be arduous on your self

Waanders additionally recommends having a snack earlier than a potluck. “This may increasingly assist forestall 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 frivolously sprinkled with kosher salt.

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Potluck-Pleasant Dishes to Share

One of the simplest ways to advertise nutritious potluck decisions is to deliver 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 might be each health-conscious and flavorful, excellent for munching on whereas creating recollections.

Vegan Almond Butter Brownies are an excellent 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 nicely with any chip or cracker.

Cucumber Salad is an easy however scrumptious aspect.

In regards to the Consultants

Daisy Waanders, RD is a Meals Knowledge Curator at MyFitnessPal. She graduated together 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 common administration of persistent illnesses.

Katherine Basbaum, MS, RD is Meals Knowledge Curator at MyFitnessPal. She acquired her Masters in Vitamin Communication from the Friedman Faculty of Vitamin 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 Vitamin for MyFitnessPal. Melissa acquired a Bachelor of Arts in Vitamin (DPD) from the Faculty of Saint Benedict and accomplished her dietetic internship by Iowa State College. In Might 2024 she was acknowledged because the Registered Younger Dietitian of the Yr 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 get pleasure from each with out overdoing it.

Follow Conscious Consuming Strategies

Take small parts of a number of dishes. Decide a number of favorites and take a look at a number of spoonfuls of every. “In case you actually get pleasure from one thing, you may return later for extra however make acutely aware selections,” Waanders says.

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

When you eat, speak to different potluck attendees. “This might help 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 conscious of what meals you’re consuming. Based on 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 lined in cheese

Creamy dishes or dips

Processed meats

Monitor Good

Monitoring meals throughout a potluck could be a little tough. As a substitute of worrying about doing it on the get together, snap a photograph of your plate and do the logging later. If a dish has a word with an elements listing, you may need to take an image of that to refresh your reminiscence, as nicely.

In case you monitor with MyFitnessPal, instruments like Voice Logging and meal scan could make logging quicker.

Know When to Cease Consuming

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

The Backside Line

Potlucks don’t should be a fearful meals occasion—they really provide a singular alternative to observe conscious consuming in a social setting. In case you method these occasions with intention, potlucks can grow to be worthwhile experiences for creating more healthy consuming habits and fostering social connections.