|
 For
most Americans, Thanksgiving without turkey is like the Fourth
of July without fireworks. That’s why it’s important
not to deprive yourself during holiday meals. The holidays are
full of temptations and an occasional treat is fine as long as
you make sure to keep short- and long-term health goals in mind.
Your weight-loss efforts can
absolutely stay on track this Thanksgiving holiday by following
simple tips from Weight Watchers that allow you to enjoy yourself.
- 1. Slow Down
for Satisfaction
When sitting down to the Thanksgiving feast, select foods you
don't normally eat so that you can easily eliminate several of
the dishes. Do you really need both sweet potatoes topped with
melted marshmallows and mashed potatoes? Take small portions,
eat slowly and savor every bite. Sit back, take a break and if
you’re still hungry continue. Remember, it takes about 20
minutes for your brain to realize your stomach is full.
- 2. Plan to
indulge
Don’t set yourself up for failure by depriving yourself
of the special foods that are prepared and served only on Thanksgiving.
Maybe it’s Aunt Martha’s candied yams, Mom’s apple
pie or your sister-in-law’s pumpkin cheesecake. Savor the
special dishes instead of mindlessly popping cheddar cheese cubes
into your mouth before the meal. Decide how much of that favorite
food will satisfy you. If you cannot conceive of eating just
a small piece of pie, cut something else out to account for the
larger slice.
- 3. Don’t
starve yourself beforehand
You’ll be more likely to gobble up everything in sight.
Eat a healthy, balanced breakfast and lunch, and consider a snack
before heading to the Thanksgiving celebration to take the edge
off your hunger.
- 4. Be creative
Practice saying “no” in case you get pressured by well-meaning
relatives to eat something you haven’t planned for or don’t
want to eat. Try something like, “Thanks, but I’ll
have to pass on that pumpkin pie right now because I’m so
full from your delicious dinner.”
- 5. Drink
Moderately
Alcohol adds empty calories and can make you lose sight of your
goals. To reduce your alcohol intake, use low- or no-calorie
beverages as mixers and alternate alcoholic beverages with low-calorie
soft drinks or water.
- 6. Bag it
If you're hosting the meal, remember that there is always tomorrow
-- and leftovers. But if you won't be able to sleep knowing that
there's half a pie in the kitchen, freeze leftovers immediately
or wrap portions for your guests to take home.
- 7. Lighten
it up
Whether you are the host or just bringing a dish to someone else’s
home, lighten up those favorite dishes. No one will know the
difference. See the lighter version of a Thanksgiving classic
below.
- 8. Get moving
There are more ways to spend time with family on Thanksgiving
than just sitting around eating. Why not go for a walk after
supper, or get a game of touch football going in the afternoon?
- 9. Be thankful
for making good choices
Changing eating behavior and old habits take time. But starting
the holiday season off mindful of moderation can be the key to
a healthier season.
- 10. Control
emotional eating
The holidays and stress go hand in hand. Find ways to relax and
focus on you overall goals. Exercise daily and make Thanksgiving
a day more about family and friends than food. You’ll be
thankful you did.
Visit a Weight Watchers meeting
for free this holiday season for additional support. To find
a meeting location near you visit www.weightwatchers.com or call (800) 651-6000.
Want to indulge? Enjoy with this
healthy take on a holiday classic -- pumpkin pie!
Pumpkin Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
from Weightwatchers.com
Courtesy of ARAcontent.
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