Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving
By Sara Butler
Thanksgiving is one of the best holidays around! You can’t beat all the turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pie! Thanksgiving also happens to be one of the worst holidays for your health, because you just can’t seem to say no to all that turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and pie. Yes, this holiday can easily turn into a 3000 calories nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be. There are strategies you can employ to have a great holiday where you enjoy yourself!
Stuff the Turkey, Not Yourself
The first strategy you can utilize to have a better Thanksgiving is not to do your best impression of the turkey and eat yourself into a food coma. The best way to go about this is to have a plan. Look at the bountiful feast before you and decide which items you want to sample, and then get a smaller portion of those things.
You also shouldn’t waste your plate space on items you can have any old time. Shoot for small portions of the special holiday treats you look forward to every year. Also, avoid the temptation to go back for second helpings. Plus, if you don’t stuff yourself to the gills from the start then you’ll have room for dessert later – a reasonable portion, anyway!
Go Slow
Take the time to savor your food instead of gobbling it all down. It’s not going anywhere! You should try putting your fork down between bites in order to really take your time to savor each mouthful. Research has shown that taking your time helps you to feel more satisfied with just one plate of food. If you throw some good choices in such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and salad then you’ll be adding to your satisfaction.
Be Smart with Alcohol
If your festivities include a bit of the bubbly (or any kind of alcohol), don’t forget those calories can add up quick. Try to have a glass of water between drinks. This strategy can help you to limit calories, stay hydrated and not end up as the star of a viral video with you wearing the turkey on your head as your grandmother chases you around the dining room.
Thanksgiving is a day for celebration and togetherness. It’s a time to be thankful for all the things you have in your life too. So, be thankful for your health and pay homage to it by making good choices this holiday.