For those of us trying to manage our weight, Thanksgiving can seem like a nightmare. American culture likes to focus this holiday on food, food and more food – so it’s understandable why Thanksgiving is daunting for many!
Mindful Eating: The Key to Mastering Thanksgiving
No matter your holiday plans or who you’re spending them with, there are a number of ways to stay happy and healthy on Thanksgiving despite the cultural focus on food. Take a look at some of our mindful eating tips to help you out.
Eat before You Go Out or Begin Prepping Food.
Despite the large dinners, snacking is a popular pastime on Thanksgiving – especially if you’re snacking while preparing food. Get a handle on your appetite before arriving at your destination or before you begin cooking by starting your day with breakfast. If you’re having a late dinner, be sure to pre-pack a healthy snack/healthy lunches to control your appetite as the hours roll by.
Pay Attention to Portion Sizes.
Between the turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes, it’s normal to want a little but of everything on the dinner table. And it’s okay to indulge on a special holiday like this one. Just watch out for portion sizes of each food item and make sure you’re not overdoing it. Not only will you fill-up on extra calories, but you might feel overstuffed and uncomfortable afterwords.
Focus on the People.
Just because Thanksgiving is typically centered around food, it doesn’t mean you have to hover over the counter top or dinner table. Take some time to walk away and sit with family and friends. Catch up on your lives, enjoy the conversation and you won’t even think about the food!
Eat until Satisfied, Not “Stuffed.”
The last thing you want on this special holiday is to feel sick and unable to move. Go ahead and put your fork down once you’re satisfied, not overly full. If you haven’t finished your plate, don’t be afraid to box it up for leftovers or return to it later.
Want more tips for having a happy, healthy Thanksgiving? Check out some of our most recent blog posts:
