Side Dishes to Avoid This Holiday Season to Stay Healthy All Season Long
As the holidays roll in, so do the endless invitations to indulge in festive feasts. With that, comes some not-so-helpful opinions about what you should (or shouldn’t) be eating. So- here’s ours- side dishes to avoid on Thanksgiving (and beyond)! While planning your holiday menu or filling up your plate, consider skipping these “side dishes”—not because they’re seasonal traditions, but because they don’t truly serve your body, mind, or spirit. Here’s a breakdown of what to steer clear of this season so you can savor every moment and bite.
1. Foods You’re Allergic or Sensitive To
Obvious, right? If you know you’ve got that lactose intolerance, don’t skip the lactase enzyme (a.k.a., Lactaid). Seriously, it’s your holiday wingman. Prioritize your comfort and health—there’s no joy in spending the party clutching your stomach. And remember, the holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not endured. If you need to bring a dish you know works for you, go ahead—it’s better than risking an allergy or intolerance flare-up for the sake of convenience.
2. Spoiled Foods
If it’s been sitting in the fridge for over a week, let’s just call it sus (suspicious). Don’t risk your health by eating leftovers that should have been tossed. Foodborne illnesses are no joke, and spending your holiday recovering is not the move. If you know you won’t finish something in a few days, freeze it! Future-you will thank you when you’ve got a ready-made meal post-holiday chaos. When in doubt, use your senses—if it smells off, looks weird, or tastes questionable, it’s time to toss it.
3. Foods You Don’t Like
Why force it down if you really just don’t like it? Sure, Auntie’s Jell-O salad is a tradition, but if you’re not into it, politely pass. There’s no rule saying you must eat everything on the table to prove you’re in the holiday spirit. Focus on the dishes you love and look forward to—those are the ones that will make the meal memorable. Unless you’re genuinely curious or feel like experimenting, it’s okay to skip what doesn’t bring you joy. You do you.
4. Eating a Certain Way to Please Others
Your plate is your choice. Period. No one else gets a vote. If someone questions your portions, choices, or even if you’re skipping a meal because you’re full, that’s their problem—not yours. Remember, you’re not obligated to perform or justify your eating habits for anyone. Be confident in what you choose to eat, and if comments arise, redirect the conversation or simply smile and move on. This season is about connection, not conformity. Read more about setting boundaries (food or otherwise) this holiday season and practice creative ways to say “no”!
5. Ignoring Your Body’s Needs
Your body is constantly giving you signals; respect them. Feeling hungry? Eat. Feel full? Pause or stop. It’s that simple—and yet, it can be hard to tune into those cues during the hustle of the holidays. If you do overeat—because let’s be real, it happens—offer yourself compassion. The holidays are a time for indulgence and connection, not criticism. Practice mindfulness while you eat and take a moment to truly enjoy your food; it can help you stay in touch with your body’s natural rhythms.
6. Guilt or Shame for Eating
We know that there’s a link between nutrition and mental health. There’s no room on your plate for guilt or shame. Seconds are for delicious dishes, not self-loathing. Instead of punishing yourself, focus on the joy and togetherness the meal brings. Food is a source of nourishment and celebration, not a test of your willpower or worthiness. If you find those guilt-ridden thoughts creeping in, try reframing them: “I’m grateful to share this meal and honor my body’s needs.” Enjoy your food fully—that’s what it’s there for.
7. Making Up for a Meal
Skip the toxic cycle of “making up” for a holiday meal with restriction or overexercising. (Kara does support a small Turkey Trot, though.) Back to the point- the occasional feast is part of the human experience. Enjoy it while you can, knowing one big meal doesn’t define your health or your worth. Your body is resilient and designed to handle variability. Instead of compensating, focus on how the meal made you feel—satisfied, joyful, connected—and carry that gratitude forward into the season.
8. Negative Self-Talk
That internal voice critiquing your plate or body? It’s not the truth. It might be loud, but it’s not right. Recognize that societal pressures and unrealistic standards often fuel these thoughts, and they don’t serve you. Your worth has absolutely nothing to do with your weight, your plate, or how many cookies you ate. Practice countering negative self-talk with affirmations or gratitude for what your body allows you to experience. Remind yourself: you are more than enough exactly as you are.
The Bottom Line
So there you have it, side dishes you need to avoid this Thanksgiving. As we prepare for this holiday, Solstice, Christmas, etc., choose sides that nourish you—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Leave behind the “side dishes” that drain your energy or don’t honor your needs. Embrace joy, practice self-compassion, and savor every bite of this festive season!
If you need any nutrition support, reach out to Denice! And as for general boundary setting- we have a team of counselors ready to listen (it’s kind of our specialty this time of year).
