With Christmas quickly approaching and another familial feast on the horizon, many foodies, like myself, are full of anticipation. If, however, you suffer from food allergies or have adopted a vegan, paleo, or some other seemingly unconventional lifestyle, you might have begun bracing for a panic attack or mentally preparing a defense of your food choices.

Luckily, I fall into the first category. While my daily eating habits (spinach salad 4 days in a row?) and meal choices may be unusual to some, my holiday appetite is one of equal opportunity.

Freshly baked cookies? Why, yes, I’ll have one some.

A little brandy to top off that eggnog? It wouldn’t be a proper drink with out it!

Rum cake for breakfast? Don’t want it to get stale!

In my opinion, restricting oneself during the holidays is a surefire way to spoil them. If you’re afraid of veering off the course of weight loss, plan your usual light and nutritious meals, but allow yourself a slice of cake at dinner or a sample of your coworker’s homemade candy. Denying yourself seasonal snacks will almost always ruin a cheerful mood, but a small sampling of holiday treats is unlikely to expand your waistline.

If you follow a strict diet due to allergies or ethics, however, “just giving in” is not an option for you. My advice? Offer to assist with dinner preparations. While we all have a Scrooge or two in our lives, most loved ones are willing to accommodate. Speak to the host about contributing a couple of vegan side dishes or an allergy-free dessert. He or she will almost certainly welcome the help. Chef Chloe’s Harvest-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms (omit the cashews for those with nut allergies) and Chef Amber Shea’s Whole-Grain Eggnog Rice Pudding will delight a whole range of diners.

While an increasing amount of my everyday meals are vegetarian (even vegan), the holiday dish I’m most anticipating is certainly not: TURDUCKEN. Yes, the infamous chicken-stuffed-duck-stuffed-turkey! Granny does not hold back in the kitchen; this Sunday, she is cooking what will certainly be a fantastic meal. I’m so excited to sample this triple-threat of bird, but mostly, I just like saying it: tur-duck-en. 🙂

Until Sunday rolls around, here’s what I’ve been eating throughout the week. Visit Peas and Crayons to learn more and join the party next week.

Breakfast: oat bran with fresh berries

Lunch: leftover spicy bbq chickpea burgers and sweet potato fries

Snacks: cookie; cocoa-roast almonds

Dinner: tomato-basil soup and a BLT