Stay healthy on Thanksgiving
Lindsay Rodriguez
Issue date: 11/18/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Don't let this Thanksgiving holiday ruin your chances of looking your absolute best for all of the upcoming holiday parties. We all know the traditional dishes that line the table: turkey, stuffing, bread rolls, casseroles and pumpkin pie, but we don't have to let them force us into making another New Year's Resolution to lose weight.
There are plenty of tricks that will help you avoid overindulging and overeating this Thanksgiving. The first trick is to eat a satisfying breakfast or lunch before dinner. Many of us skip meals every year because we want to save our appetite for the main event. It's effective, but it's not healthy. By eating at least a small meal before the big dinner, you will not be starving when you sit down to eat. That means you also won't look silly shoving giant gobs of food in your mouth at the table. You'll be minding your manners and your health.
Another key word to keep in mind this Thanksgiving is moderation. Moderation is necessary if you want to be able to walk - not roll - through the door after dinner. Instead of heaping mounds of sweet potatoes and green bean casserole onto your plate, use a teaspoon to serve your portions. A lot of what we serve tends to be exaggarated. Don't worry if your portions are smaller than everyone else's - it doesn't mean you are less grateful.
To help, break your plate up into sections in your head: one quarter for lean meats such as turkey (skip the skin) and ham; one quarter for comfort foods, such as casseroles and the cheesy dishes; one quarter for greens, such as salad or vegetables; and the last quarter for either a dinner roll or a second helping of greens. Moderation may mean a smaller helping size, but it doesn't mean you can't eat a bit of everything.
Another way to fill up guiltlessly is to drink plenty of water before, during and after dinner. Water has zero calories and fills you up quicker than endless goblets of soda or wine. The most important trick satisfied and happy with yourself is to stop eating when you are full. As soon as you feel yourself filling up - stop! Listen to your body's cues. And remember: You have to save room for dessert!
If you or your family plan on hosting Thanksgiving this year, use reduced-fat and fat-free ingredients in your dishes. Try including healthier options such as green beans, mushrooms, wild rice, whole grains and plenty of salads into your courses.
A healthy Thanksgiving is attainable through small but conscious changes. You can still enjoy the holiday without feeling guilty as long as you make the right choices.
There are plenty of tricks that will help you avoid overindulging and overeating this Thanksgiving. The first trick is to eat a satisfying breakfast or lunch before dinner. Many of us skip meals every year because we want to save our appetite for the main event. It's effective, but it's not healthy. By eating at least a small meal before the big dinner, you will not be starving when you sit down to eat. That means you also won't look silly shoving giant gobs of food in your mouth at the table. You'll be minding your manners and your health.
Another key word to keep in mind this Thanksgiving is moderation. Moderation is necessary if you want to be able to walk - not roll - through the door after dinner. Instead of heaping mounds of sweet potatoes and green bean casserole onto your plate, use a teaspoon to serve your portions. A lot of what we serve tends to be exaggarated. Don't worry if your portions are smaller than everyone else's - it doesn't mean you are less grateful.
To help, break your plate up into sections in your head: one quarter for lean meats such as turkey (skip the skin) and ham; one quarter for comfort foods, such as casseroles and the cheesy dishes; one quarter for greens, such as salad or vegetables; and the last quarter for either a dinner roll or a second helping of greens. Moderation may mean a smaller helping size, but it doesn't mean you can't eat a bit of everything.
Another way to fill up guiltlessly is to drink plenty of water before, during and after dinner. Water has zero calories and fills you up quicker than endless goblets of soda or wine. The most important trick satisfied and happy with yourself is to stop eating when you are full. As soon as you feel yourself filling up - stop! Listen to your body's cues. And remember: You have to save room for dessert!
If you or your family plan on hosting Thanksgiving this year, use reduced-fat and fat-free ingredients in your dishes. Try including healthier options such as green beans, mushrooms, wild rice, whole grains and plenty of salads into your courses.
A healthy Thanksgiving is attainable through small but conscious changes. You can still enjoy the holiday without feeling guilty as long as you make the right choices.
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Essay Services
posted 12/01/09 @ 6:25 PM EST
Thanks for the useful pieces of advice! It is very helpful.
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