The holiday of gorging is upon us. Plates full of stuffing and mashed potatoes, a required post-dinner nap, and more pie than you could ever imagine are what make Thanksgiving so great. Unfortunately, it’s not so great for your waistline. Don’t fret! There are some easy things you can do to pack your plate and not pack on the pounds.
1) Use a smaller plate
Using a smaller plate than your other dining companions may seem daunting, but you’ll be the one winning in the end. A full, small plate is still less food than a mostly full, big plate. You’ll trick your brain into thinking you’re eating more food and not feeling overstuffed.
2) Go on a fall walk
After the food coma nap, take a walk around the block or in the park to work off some of those extra calories. The foliage will still be nice enough to enjoy a solid thirty minutes of cardio, and it’s a great time to talk about what you are thankful for.
3) Eat throughout the day
Instead of downing one huge meal, eating throughout the day will keep you from fork fencing with your relatives for another chunk of PumPecApple. Have a glass of sparkling cider in the morning while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a snack during the Westminster Dog Show, and some turkey during the football game.
4) Load up on veggies
While it’s encouraged to eat all the carbs you can manage, eating plenty of veggies is also important. Green beans with toasted almonds, sweet potatoes, and corn are all great options to keep you full and healthy.
5) Drink plenty of water
Drinking a ton of H2O on Thanksgiving is crucial. Not only will a gulp of water curb your craving for that fourth scoop of mouth-watering marshmallowy sweet potato casserole, but it’ll help get rid of all the bloat that Turkey Day brings with it. Drink a full glass of water before sitting down at the table to make sure you’re ingesting enough liquids.
Most importantly, enjoy your day! Thanksgiving is a day you can be gluttonous, so take full advantage! No judgment if you double-up on the gravy or go straight for the dessert station (obvi.)