This holiday is a bit of a challenge for most highly-health conscious individuals. All that good food and drink can add up and before you know it, you have consumed well over a day’s worth of calories in just one meal. Honestly, a once-per-year day of overeating isn’t likely to sabotage your diet plans, though sustaining this eating behavior throughout the Holiday season might lead to a few extra pounds to lose in the New Year. The good news is that there are some simple changes you can make to your Thanksgiving plans this year that will save you some calories (without sacrificing taste or your reputation) and add some fun to your holiday.
- Fit it all on one plate: Sample small portions and avoid going back for seconds. If you’re tempted to return for more, wait for 20 minutes (about how long it takes to feel full) first.
- Eat slowly: Thanksgiving foods are likely to be richer and more filling than your everyday fare, so eat slowly and savor every bite.
- Enjoy the company of family and friends: Socialize during the meal and festivities. You can’t eat and talk at the same time- so the more conversation you enjoy, the less you’ll eat.
- Get moving: Sign up for a local Turkey trot 5K or 10K and spend Thanksgiving morning getting some exercise. So get moving and remember: No pain, no pie!
- Make some Turkey day substitutes:
Eat the white meat without the skin instead of dark meat and shave off 190 calories
Make your own cranberries rather than the jellied stuff and save 120 calories
Cut the marshmallows on your sweet potatoes and save 100 calories
Skip the green bean casserole and cut 130 calories
Choose pumpkin pie instead of pecan and save 180 calorie