The holidays are full of unhealthy eating situations. While one meal is not going to ruin the healthy habits that you’ve worked on all year, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage from that cranberry sauce.
- Choose vegetables: Snack on vegetables first as an appetizer option and be sure to include non-starchy vegetables on your plate.
- Portion size: Use a smaller plate. Be mindful of the amount of dips, dressings, gravy and sauces.
- Remove the skin: The skin, while quite tasty, is usually harboring loads of added fat and calories.
- Healthy breakfast and lunch: Eat a healthy breakfast and lunch the day of the big meal. Fasting all day will cause you to overeat at dinner. A nutritious and filling lunch will curb that.
- Pick healthier sides: The side dishes are really what get you at Thanksgiving dinner. Try opting for steamed vegetables, versus buttery sides.
- Talk: You’re sitting down with family and friends you haven’t seen in ages! Take your time and talk. This not only allows you to catch up on the latest news, but also gives your body time to digest.
- Small dessert: Taking only a few bites of dessert can satisfy your sweet craving, without adding hundreds of extra calories.
- Choose new foods: Try foods you don't have on an everyday basis. If you taste something and don't enjoy it, just leave it on your plate!
- Choose calorie-free drinks: Choose drinks such as water, unsweetened tea or seltzer water. Staying hydrated also helps you feel full.
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