How to Eat Healthy This Thanksgiving

Though Thanksgiving is a holiday centered around gratefulness, family, and friends, it’s association with bountiful, never-ending spreads of fattening food have made it the bane of your waist line’s existence.

If you have found yourself dreading the Holidays due to the calorie-rich events penned into your calendar, there is hope. Overindulgence happens for a variety of reasons, least of all the bounty in front of you (believe it or not). There are a few effective actions you can take prior to events to ensure that you consume less, enjoy what you consume, and have a blast with your loved ones without a mind full of counted calories.

Increase activity

Studies have repeatedly shown that increased activity combined with calorie monitoring helps to keep weight gain in check. That said, the best time to increase your activity could be during the holiday season, allowing you to enjoy a few more bites of your favorite dessert without paying the calorie price.

If you already exercise, adding even ten minutes to your routine can make a difference. Making fitness an adventure can also help you to look forward to each day. Finally, short bursts of activity add up over time, so don’t be afraid to schedule a ten minute walk in the morning and another with your family in the evening. Who said burning calories has to happen all at once?

Adjust expectations

Planning to lose 10 pounds during holiday season sounds great. Realistic? Not so much. Rather than scheduling a goal that will be more difficult to achieve during this time, why not set your sights on simply maintaining your weight? By setting a realistic goal, you’ll be more likely to succeed. Success leads to improved self-esteem and commitment to healthy behaviors. Bonus? You may just lose some weight in the process!

Remember breakfast

Experts haven’t glorified breakfast as the most important meal of the day for nothing. Eating first thing in the morning can help you control your appetite, especially during those tempting holiday evening gatherings.

Bring light alternatives

Don’t assume that someone else will provide diet-friendly options. Be sure to bring a salad with light dressing or another calorie-conscious option to add to the mix. Bringing your own light options not only gives you something to eat, guilt-free, but welcomes your friends and relatives to do the same, assuaging some of the marginalized feelings common to dieters during holiday events.

Practice portion control

The words “some” and “a little” exist in the English language to represent our need for part, not all, of something. You don’t need to eat everything to have a good time. At Thanksgiving, when bounteous offerings may tempt you to fill your plate high, remember the following tips:

Skip seconds: If you feel satisfied, don’t push your stomach to stuffed. Have a little of everything for a balanced meal that doesn’t overload your body.

Eat only the best: You’ll feel most satisfied if you consume only what looks tastiest. Do this and feel cravings will melt away.

Make time to chat: It’s hard to eat too much when you’re having tons of fun catching up with friends and loved ones. Spend more time socializing and less time eyeing the dessert table. You’ll enjoy the evening and consume fewer calories.

Thanksgiving need not become a dreaded holiday simply because you are watching your weight. By increasing your regular activity levels, nourishing your body properly, practicing portion control and focusing on social interaction rather than food consumption, you can relish your favorite events while maintaining — and even losing — weight.