ALT-3 Calorie Saving Tips for Thanksgiving
When you think of Thanksgiving the first thing that comes to mind is food. Unfortunately It's not the most calorie friendly holiday. Gravy laden turkey, warm stuffing, and pumpkin pie, can bring even the most calorie conscious people to there knees. With a whole days worth of calories in one meal, it's no wonder many feel guilty at the end of the day. You can however make it through this thanksgiving season without jeopardizing the waistline. Just remember that it's a holiday with lots food, but not a time to binge.
Heaping plates full of delicious dishes and glass after glass of wine. This can be a culprit. Try to think of it as any other meal and remember your portion control. Just like any other evening, fill half of your plate with veggies, a quarter of it with lean protein and the other quarter with a healthy starch. Don't eat until your stuffed, remember it takes twenty minutes to feel full, you can try a little bit of everything just don't overdo it.
When your waiting for dinner, you tend to snack on chips and fattening appetizers, instead try nibbling on veggies with some low fat dip or yogurt. Stay away from the high fat foods such as the gravy or the green bean casserole, and keep your proteins lean, turkey breast is a great way to start. Remember that the first thanksgiving didn't have processed foods, so keep as many of those out of your dinner as possible
A glass or two of wine is fine, but try to have a glass of water in between. Water not only helps keep you hydrated through the night but it makes you feel fuller. Calorie free water is something YOU can binge on. Try having a drink of water between each bite of food, to fill you up faster.
Don't save your appetite for dinner, if you go to dinner starving, you'll be sure to overeat. Start the day with a healthy breakfast, and eat a few smaller meals throughout the day. Thanksgiving is not a one meal holiday, maybe try some pumpkin bread for breakfast, with cranberry jelly. Try setting down your fork, and actually giving thanks for your company and the wonderful atmosphere, give your stomach some time to digest.
If all else fails, remember you don't have to go without dinner in fear of huge calorie consumption, just try a little bit of everything. Leftovers are great so there is no reason to eat it all in one evening, and if you do over indulge in a large piece of pie, get the family together for some outdoor activities. Don't forget that the food is wonderful and can be enjoyed in moderation, but it is not the focus of this holiday. Spend more time mingling with friends and family, and most of all enjoy a quilt free evening.
