Mindful holiday consumption with Michelle Grier-Hall, M.D.
By Sonshine / Photo by Kate Treick Photography
Michelle Grier-Hall, M.D., a dedicated pediatrician, is deeply passionate about her work with children. Her love for young people drives her commitment to improving their lives through early intervention, education and holistic care. Dr. Hall is devoted to serving African American communities, a passion that has shaped her career from the very beginning.
As a young Black woman, Grier-Hall faced significant challenges in her journey to becoming a physician, but her determination to make a difference kept her going. These challenges strengthened her resolve to advocate for equitable healthcare access for minority populations. Grier-Hall emphasizes that pursuing a career in something one is passionate about is crucial.
“Passion makes the work fulfilling,” she said.
Despite long hours and challenging days, Grier-Hall is motivated to deliver the best care to her patients.
She also places great importance on balancing her career with her family life. She credits much of her success to the strong support system around her, particularly her husband, who also works in healthcare and her extended family.
“My husband and family are my backbone,” Grier-Hall said, acknowledging that their help allows her to manage both her demanding career and her responsibilities as a wife and mother. Her community has also played a role. She believes that a supportive network is essential for any working parent.
Grier-Hall is also a strong advocate for healthy living, particularly when it comes to nutrition. With the holidays often being a time of indulgence, she offers practical tips to her patients for maintaining a healthy diet. She recommends using resources like the MyPlate.gov website to plan nutritious meals and encourages families to involve their children in meal preparation. By participating in the cooking process, children are more likely to develop healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime.
She advises everyone to focus on mindful consumption during holiday meals, emphasizing smaller portions and staying hydrated to avoid overeating. In her view, the holidays should be about family and conversation, not just food.
Her advice for maintaining a healthy lifestyle extends beyond the holiday season as well. Grier-Hall encourages families to plan their meals throughout the year and to continue involving children in meal preparation. She also suggests using smaller plates to help with portion control and emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated daily. By making these small significant changes, families can enjoy healthier lives together.
Grier-Hall is not only a skilled pediatrician, but also a role model for those looking to balance a successful career and a fulfilling family life. Her passion for her work, combined with her commitment to her family and community, makes her a shining example of what it means to lead a life of purpose and service.
Mindful holiday eating tips from Michelle Grier-Hall, M.D.
Involve everyone, including children, in meal preparation, which encourages lifelong healthy eating habits
Focus on smaller portions
Stay hydrated before, during and after meals
Use smaller plates to avoid over-eating
More tips from MyPlate.gov
Create a colorful menu that includes a variety of foods from all the food groups.
Always include water or another unsweetened beverage so guests have choices.
Think about an activity to include in the day to encourage movement and fun such as walking, dancing or active games.
Think of healthier dessert choices (dried fruit and nuts, fresh fruit, etc.), especially if you have guests with health issues such as diabetes.
Try to reduce food waste by sharing leftovers with guests and reusing ingredients in omelets, sandwiches or other dishes.
Get creative with ingredients that are healthier such as low-fat milk and low-salt herbs and spices.
