Food Connects Us – National Nutrition Month

We share meals to catch up with friends, meet new people over coffee, and show love by cooking for others. Food is more than just something we eat—it helps us feel connected. Spending time with others is important for both our body and mind. It can even help protect us from health problems like heart disease, dementia, and depression.

Food brings us closer, but it can also be tricky when we want to make healthy choices. You might wonder how to eat well at a party, say no to food without hurting feelings, or handle pressure to drink alcohol. The good news? With a little planning, you can enjoy social time and stick to your health goals. Here are some simple tips to help.

Tips for making healthy choices at social gatherings:

– Bring a dish you enjoy, like a veggie tray or another healthy option.

– At a buffet or potluck, pick foods you really want instead of trying everything.

– Avoid lingering around the buffet table – this will help you avoid grazing on food mindlessly.

– Build a balanced plate: half veggies, one-fourth protein, and one-fourth starchy food.

– Have a small snack before the event so you’re not too hungry.

– Share a dessert!

Declining food from loved ones – be kind but firm.

– Thank the person for offering and let them know you appreciate it.

– Share that you are already full. Ask if you can take some home instead.

– If you feel comfortable, let them know that you trying to make healthy choices.

Managing peer pressure to drink alcohol when you’d prefer to abstain:

– Bring a fun drink, like a mocktail or another non-alcoholic option

– Before the event, think about how you’ll say no. Remind yourself why you don’t want to drink.

– If someone keeps offering, be firm but polite. You can say, “I’m not drinking today, but thanks for offering.”