By now, you've come to accept that your New Year's Resolution from approximately 330 days ago to lose 50 pounds will probably never come to fruition; however, you have been doing better lately with watching your diet. Now that the holiday season is once again here, you're more than a little worried about having to navigate the countless dinners, parties and buffet tables over the next couple of months - beginning with Thanksgiving.
Relax! Look at Thanksgiving as an opportunity to not only kick off the season, but to really focus and hone in on your nutrition goals. It's actually very easy to not go overboard at the holiday table by following certain rules.
Eat Breakfast
Expert opinion such as a 2008 article from WebMD.com advises that breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, and that is especially true on a day like Thanksgiving. Too many people think they will "save" calories on Thanksgiving by waiting for the big dinner to eat. A filling, nutritious breakfast will not only help your metabolism but will also prevent a high caloric intake. Try a bowl of steel-cut oatmeal with fruit mixed in, or an egg white omelet with vegetables.
Fill Up On Soup
Before the meal, eat a small salad or a bowl of broth-based soup. A June 5, 2009 article on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website explains that these options are not only low in calories but high in volume, helping you to feel fuller faster.
Find A Healthy Side Dish
If you'll be in charge of Thanksgiving this year, add two to three healthy side dishes next to the mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. Try steamed asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts. Even if you'll be a guest, offer to bring a healthy side dish - your host will surely be thankful for your help!
Gobble, Gobble
Turkey meat can be very healthy. Turkey breast (without skin) is only 161 calories, with up to 30 grams of protein! As long as you steer clear of dark meat and the skin, you can have your turkey and eat it, too.
Use A Dessert Plate
A tip that popular weight loss and maintenance services such as Weight Watchers suggest is to use a smaller plate will help you keep portion sizes smaller. If you're still hungry once you complete your plate, you can always go back for a second helping.
Enjoy!
Go ahead and have that slice of pumpkin pie with the whipped cream. Not letting yourself have any seasonal treats that only make an appearance on your plate once or twice a year will leave you feeling resentful and deprived.
Eat This Thanksgiving - Don't Diet
One of the things you will be thankful for this Thanksgiving will be how easy it is to stick to a basic, healthy eating plan - by planning ahead, filling up on healthy, low-calorie foods and practicing moderation with special, seasonal treats. If you do happen to over-indulge, don't worry - grab your friends and gear up for an impromptu football game!
Sources:
University of Illinois Nutrition Analysis Tool
WebMD
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention
Weight Watchers
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