The holidays can be a real challenge for those who are
watching their waistline! For many people, Thanksgiving is about being with friends
and family, excitement and commotion, and a big meal followed by the “I am so
full, I can’t believe how much I ate!” then, followed by “I’m going on a diet
tomorrow!”
If the scale reads higher on Friday morning, take it with a
grain of salt! The excess calories that we consume are the equivalent of less
than a pound of stored fat. Most of the weight gain is temporary. In fact, the
average weight gain throughout the holiday season is one pound! A big holiday
dinner isn’t going to make you fat, any more than a day or two eating the
“cabbage soup diet” is going to make you thin.
Getting back to your normal eating and exercise patterns
will probably bring your weight back to normal! Focus on healthy eating most
days and enjoy your holiday!
In the meantime, here are a few tips for getting through
this holiday:
#1) Whether you are going out to someone’s home or making
the meal yourself, eat breakfast and lunch. The worst thing you can do is go to
the Thanksgiving meal hungry! When we are hungry, we often eat faster and more
of it. When you eat throughout the day, you will avoid overeating at the meal.
#2) Thanksgiving dinner is NOT an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Fill your plate with plenty of veggies and some turkey (no skin) and a little
starch. Eat slowly and enjoy the company!
#3) Go for smaller portions (this way you can sample what you
want). Moderation is key!
#4) Make a choice to limit high fat items. Some of the
traditional meals are made with lots of heavy cream, butter, and cheese. Mashed
potatoes and candied yams, and casseroles are high ticket foods that if you can
limit to smaller amount, you will have room for dessert at the end!
#5) Make a dish and bring with you to the gathering. There
are so many new and healthy recipes that can take the place of the traditional
fatty foods. Whether you want to use healthier ingredients (egg whites to
replace the whole egg, low fat milk and cheese, brown sugar or agave instead of
white sugar), or want to cook vegan or vegetarian for your guests - if the dish
is tasty, everyone will want to sample!
#6) Drink plenty of water!
#7) Take a walk after the meal. A 10-20 minute walk around
the neighborhood keeps your metabolism working and aids in the digestion!
#8) Enjoy! Remember this is a holiday for giving thanks for
what we all have, and to celebrate family and friends and togetherness.
Sometimes, with all the “hubbub” that the holidays bring, we loose sight of the
real importance of being with others. So, enjoy!
