We\u2019ve had a year like no other, and while the shadow of the pandemic still looms over the world, South Africans can breathe a sigh of some relief, that it is, at least, the summer holiday season.\u00a0 A good dose of festive cheer has rarely felt so crucial.\u00a0 The pandemic will inevitably mute our celebrations in various ways.\u00a0 Some of us are feeling the effects of the economic impacts and will have to scale down or forego the treats and luxuries.\u00a0 Others, especially those with vulnerable loved ones, will opt for smaller, home-based gatherings and would rather skip the holiday crowds this year.\u00a0 However we choose to make the most that we can of the festive season, our hearts will be pulled towards those struggling to put food on the table this December, as well as those who have an empty chair at their family table.<\/p>\n
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If a global pandemic can have a silver lining it is that it has immersed us far more than usual in home life.\u00a0 We\u2019ve had more concentrated time with our loved ones and closest friends, and that\u2019s heightened our appreciation of the really important things in our life.\u00a0 As families, we\u2019ve cooked more together, and shared more meals.\u00a0 Food is at the centre of our social lives, and the festive season brings with it particular food traditions and long-established favourite holiday food habits.\u00a0 This brings challenges to starting up or maintaining healthy eating, and to how we can still enjoy special food occasions on tighter budgets this year.<\/p>\n
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Three registered dietitians, all spokespeople for ADSA (Association for Dietetics in South Africa) share their advice for a happy, healthy 2020 holiday season for all South Africans:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Omy Naidoo, registered dietitian from KZN, on beating the budget<\/em>:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Zitandile Mfono, registered dietitian from Eastern Cape, on healthy balance<\/em>:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Rosanne Lombard, registered dietitian from Gauteng, on keeping it simple:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n A last word from <\/strong>Zitandile<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s the giving season and the holidays are a time to make extra or pack your leftovers to share with neighbours, friends or your local shelter. In these tough economic times, sharing food can prevent food waste and bring festive cheer to someone else.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" We\u2019ve had a year like no other, and while the shadow of the pandemic still looms over the world, South Africans can breathe a sigh of some relief, that it is, at least, the summer holiday season.\u00a0 A good dose of festive cheer has rarely felt so crucial.\u00a0 The pandemic will inevitably mute our celebrations […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":44,"featured_media":7720,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2006,34],"tags":[3117,3118,3119,3120],"class_list":{"0":"post-7719","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-food-wine","8":"category-health-and-beauty","9":"tag-asda","10":"tag-association-for-dietetics-in-south-africa","11":"tag-festive-eating-tips","12":"tag-festive-food"},"yoast_head":"\n\n
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