What do you love about Thanksgiving?I asked this question at a “Friendsgiving Potluck” pre-Thanksgiving party this weekend and the replies were standard: Food. Family. Friends.
Whether you’re still scrambling for recipes or already have made name cards for where all your guests will sit, whether you’re gathering with family and friends or giving thanks solo, whether you are incorporating some healthier dishes into your spread or looking forward to heavy gravies and pies galore, here are a few tips that can help us all enjoy the feasting while honoring our health!
- Go for quality, not quantity:
Eat whatever you want, but eat less of it. Want a piece of pumpkin pie…and also try the pecan pie? Huge stuffing fan? Do scalloped potatoes rock your world? Go ahead and have a small slice, serving or bite of whatever you love, but put half of the normal serving size on your plate. Don’t worry; if you really want more later on, you can have it, but it’s easier to resist overeating once you’ve tried a little of everything you love. - Stay hydrated:
Sometimes we get so focused on feasting that we forget to drink water, and thirst is commonly mistaken for hunger! The dehydrating effects of holiday punches, wine and other libations also make it important to keep drinking water. Added bonus: Drinking water before the Thanksgiving meal will help you to feel fuller and not eat so much. - Take a break:
It takes about twenty minutes for the stomach’s “Enough, I’m full!” message to reach the brain, so after the first round of food, try taking a break to stretch, maybe go for a walk, or even just lie on the sofa until going back to the table for seconds or dessert. - Load up on the good stuff:
Fill your plate with the veggies, lean proteins and fruits offered at the meal. Traditional foods that may be particularly nourishing include crudités, green beans, cranberry sauce, turkey, sweet potatoes, and the filling in pumpkin pie. For healthy versions of traditional Thanksgiving recipes, check out the Mayo’s Clinic site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thanksgiving-recipes/NU00643 - Put the “giving” in Thanksgiving:
Give tempting leftovers like cookies, pies, stuffing, rolls and anything else that may not be part of your normal health-conscious diet (wink wink) to friends, coworkers, or to families in need. Great resources for donating food includes Salvation Army, Resurrection House (in Sarasota), and local churches.
Enjoy a healthy - and above all joyful – Thanksgiving!
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