The 2,000 calorie Thanksgiving dinner is quickly sneaking up on us, but for those of us trying to stick to our diet plans, here are some tips for healthy holiday feasting:
Don’t go to the Thanksgiving dinner hungry: we often eat faster and more when we are hungry, so take in a hearty, healthy breakfast or lunch on the big day.
Thanksgiving dinner is not an all-you-can-eat buffet: Fill your plate half with vegetables, one quarter with a lean meat and the rest with a starch of your choice. Eat slowly and stop when you are full.
Turkey – go skinless: choose your 4-oz turkey portion skinless to slash away some fat and cholesterol. Save your appetite for the side dishes and desserts.
Side Dishes – watch your portion size: go for smaller portions in an effort to sample all of the different foods! Always eat in moderation.
Make a conscious choice to limit high fat items: Again, moderation is key, so make sure you’re taking small portions of high fat food items can be found in fried and creamy dishes as well as cheese-filled casseroles in a traditional Thanksgiving meal .
Drink plenty of water: alcohol and coffee can dehydrate your body. Drink calorie-free water to help fill up your stomach and keep you hydrated.
Hopefully those tips help you stay on track with your diets this holiday season (if you want to, at least), but remember to enjoy your meal and if you take in a few too many calories, just hit the gym a little harder than usual after shopping on Black Friday!
Happy Thanksgiving!
[Image via AP Images.]