by Elizabeth Magee, LRD
Yum. High blood sugar. Insulin. Excitement. Cavities.
Those were my first thoughts when I was assigned (or maybe chosen – you decide) the candy charcuterie board for our annual friends’ Christmas party. When the dietitian is in charge of the candy board, are we worried? Do they eat candy? Will it be spinach infused candy? Will it taste like garbage? Will it be real candy, but she is going to watch what and how much everyone takes? This sounds pretty stressful for the guests.
I love candy. Salty things are my favorite, but I have a serious spot for candy. This task was right up my alley. But so many decisions. Should it only be Christmas themed? Should I include desserts and not just candy? What does everyone like? Will I have a board big enough? Can I afford all the things I want to include? Talk about a stressful holiday situation on my hands.
Fear not, I pulled through and had a cute board and was even told it was someone’s favorite. All the trips to Menards, Target, Walmart, Five Below, Costco, and Home Goods were worth it! Was there any nutritional value? Not one ounce. Do I care? Not a bit!! It was so cute and Christmassy and fun to put together.
Not only was there a candy charcuterie board, but there was also a meat board, cheese board, vegan board and cracker board so we had a vehicle for all the delish foods. Along with a hot chocolate bar and plenty of games, gifts and cheer!! No one went hungry and everyone had fun.
A variety of food, lots of it, and maybe none of it the healthiest option, but it’s a one-time party. No one needs to feel bad about eating from a cute little arrangement of different boards!! Happy holidays!!
Elizabeth Magee is a licensed registered dietitian. Her posts appear monthly on OYT.
Other popular posts from Elizabeth:
Navigating a life-changing diagnosis
The candy holiday through a dietitian's lens
Snack Wars (or how to survive feeding teenagers)