Let’s Talk Turkey: How to Keep Thanksgiving Pounds at Bay
Gobble gobble is what turkeys say, but if you feel like it’s more descriptive of you on Turkey Day than the bird sitting on your table, you’re not alone—a holiday centered around feasting isn’t the easiest thing for those who are trying to be mindful of what they eat. Fortunately, you don’t have to (pardon the pun) go cold turkey on all your Thanksgiving food favorites. Enjoy the day but still feel good about your healthy living ways with these tips:
• Don’t skip out on meals before the big one. You may think you’re clever by saving up all your food intake for dinner, but it’ll actually lead you to overeat. Having a small, healthy breakfast will help you make better choices later in the day.
• Prepare a few healthier dishes. Steamed vegetables and fresh fruit make nice sides, and by substituting ingredients here or there, you can make some of those Thanksgiving staples a little lower in calories. Try low-fat apple cider gravy or cornbread stuffing without the butter and cream (don’t worry, it’s still delicious!). Get other ideas and recipes here. Plus, you can download our Thanksgiving-Gone-Healthy packet of recipes here.
• Consider what’s worth the calories to you. If you look forward to pumpkin pie all year, by all means, have some. But maybe you’ve never really liked green bean casserole and just eat it out of tradition. Pick and choose the things you really love, and don’t bother loading up on the rest.
• Keep portion sizes reasonable. This is perhaps the most important tip—if you take a small amount of everything, you can enjoy more. Resist the urge to create a plate that’s overflowing with food. Don’t forget about liquid calories, either. Enjoy a glass of whatever you’d like, but then switch to water.
• Eat slowly. Put your fork down between bites. Converse with family and friends at the table. Pause to enjoy the flavors of the foods you’re consuming. By taking in the entire experience, you’ll probably eat less but enjoy it more.
• When you’re about to take that next bite you know you don’t have room for, think about how you feel when you’ve overeaten. That bloated, unbutton-the-pants feeling probably isn’t one you love. In an hour, you’ll be much happier being simply satiated rather than stuffed to the gills (a la the turkey).
• Get moving. Play a game of flag football or just take a walk around the block with the family. The crisp fall air will invigorate you and be a welcome change from sitting around indoors.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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