The average person can easily consume an extra 1000 calories in the Thanksgiving meal alone. Which means the upcoming feast can make or break all your healthy hard work. Remember, diet and nutrition are lifestyle changes and you don’t have to pledge food abstinence to get through this feast.
Healthy eating is all about long-term sustainability. Although the Thanksgiving meal isn’t necessarily healthy, there are some good habits you can put into practice so you can maintain a long-term healthy lifestyle.
Eat Breakfast
Don’t starve yourself so you can over indulge at night. Eat like you normally would and begin your day with a healthy and complete breakfast so you won’t overeat at night.
Workout
Burn a few extra calories before dinner by joining a spin class or doing an at-home workout.
Limit Appetizers
Over eating cheese and crackers before dinner is easy to do. Eat less pre-dinner snacks by drinking more water, opting for veg appetizers, and referring above.
Create a Strategy
Create and commit a pre-game plan. Maybe you sit way from the appetizer table. Or maybe you pledge to wait 20 minutes after eating to decide whether you’ll have dessert. Whatever plan you make, keep it simple and celebrate when you complete it.
Drinks have Calories too
Remember drinks are packed with calories. Opt for smaller glasses, and have one drink during appetizers and one during dinner.
Choose a Small Plate
If there are different plate sizes, choose the smaller one. Covering the plate with food spilling over the edges is a lot less sinful with the smaller dessert-sized plates.
Eat Mindfully
Avoid over eating by taking it slow. Savor every bite and don’t rush for the next one. Be mindful of texture, flavors, and chewing.
Portion Control
Keep sides and extras to only a spoonful or two. No need to drench your plate in gravy if you only have a spoonful of mashed potatoes.
Choose Wisely
There are so many delicious sides in the thanksgiving meal, so choose the ones that matter. Those carby-bread rolls you can buy at Costco every day of the year, not worth it. The creamy sweet-potato dish Aunt May only makes annually – totally worth it.
Skip the Skin
Turkey is actually quite healthy, plus protein keeps you fuller longer. Just skip the skin since it’s the most fatty.
Don’t Beat Yourself Up
If you do overdo it on Thanksgiving Day, don’t beat yourself up. Just get up and pick up your normal routine the next day.
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