Thanksgiving is all about the food, and the upcoming holiday season can wreak havoc on our diets. It’s important to enjoy yourself during the holiday season but to stay on track of your goals and nutrition. The good news is you can still enjoy all your favorite festive foods, while keeping to your diet, with these tips.
Don’t Skip Meals
When preparing for the Thanksgiving meal many people skip meals to account for all the calories they are about to take in. In actuality, this is harmful because, by the time you’re ready to eat, you’ll be so hungry that you’ll end up overeating.
Instead, begin your day with a hearty breakfast and lunch that’s full of healthy food like salads and veggies.
Be Active
A little bit of exercise goes a long way. You can start your day off with some exercise like a turkey trot or yoga, or after you eat go for a walk outside with your family, instead of napping after a heavy meal.
Portion Control
Thanksgiving food is full of creamy sauces, high-fat entrees, and sugary desserts and the key to feeling satiated is keeping a balanced plate. The best ratio to follow is 1/2 your plate should be vegetables, 1/4 of your plate should be proteins, and 1/4 should be whole grains or nutrient-rich carbs.
Pick Your Favorites
Restricting the food you allow yourself to indulge in almost always backfires. It’s okay to enjoy a couple of your favorite foods; Thanksgiving only happens once a year. Go ahead and don’t beat yourself up over that slice of pumpkin pie you ate!
