How to Enjoy Potlucks While Staying on Track, According 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" 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" /> 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 get together—you’re certain to attend not less than one potluck this summer season.

With so many meals choices, lots of that are home made with unfamiliar elements, it may be difficult 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 sophisticated!

However potlucks are speculated to be enjoyable, not worrying. They’re meant for household, pals, and dialog. Listed here are some ideas straight from a MyFitnessPal dietitian on the way 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 precise mindset, in response to MyFitnessPal dietitian Daisy Waanders.

Listed here are some issues she suggests you remember:

Steadiness well being targets with having fun with meals and pals

Get pleasure from the whole lot sparsely

Don’t be exhausting on your self

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

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Potluck-Pleasant Dishes to Share

One of the best ways to advertise nutritious potluck selections is to convey wholesome meals of your individual, says Waanders.

Whereas combined fruit bowls or veggie trays are tried and true, it's possible you'll wish to spice issues up. Right here’s a listing of potluck-friendly dishes which can be each health-conscious and flavorful, excellent for munching on whereas creating reminiscences.

Vegan Almond Butter Brownies are an awesome dessert possibility 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 an easy however scrumptious aspect.

Concerning the Specialists

Daisy Waanders, RD is a Meals Information 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 embody counseling in kidney illness, Diabetes, weight administration and basic administration of continual ailments.

Katherine Basbaum, MS, RD is Meals Information 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 vitamin 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 means 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 assist you 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 take a look at just a few spoonfuls of every. “In the event you actually take pleasure in one thing, you'll be able to 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 may also help ease the temptation of continually going again for an additional serving to.

When you eat, speak to different potluck attendees. “This may also 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 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 ought 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

Observe Sensible

Monitoring meals throughout a potluck generally is a little difficult. 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 record, you would possibly wish to take an image of that to refresh your reminiscence, as properly.

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

Know When to Cease Consuming

It may well 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 may at all times return for extra later!”

The Backside Line

Potlucks don’t need to be a fearful meals occasion—they really supply a singular alternative to observe aware consuming in a social setting. In the event you method these occasions with intention, potlucks can develop into worthwhile experiences for creating more healthy consuming habits and fostering social connections.