Thanksgiving is fast approaching, but you’ve been exceptionally good about sticking to your diet regiment, and you’re fearing the upcoming food-overload will put you back at square one. We’ve all been there – sitting at the table post turkey feast debating whether or not Grandma would be disappointed if we unbuttoned our jeans because they’re suddenly fitting much more tightly than they were two hours ago. (She probably would.) Here are some tips to help stay on track over the holidays!
1. Eat Breakfast! While our common tendency is to skip breakfast on Thanksgiving so there’s more room for mashed potatoes and turkey, it’s actually still very important to eat breakfast. Fasting during the day will cause your stomach to shrink creating less room for food later on. When you do eat, it will be as if you’re stomach is going into shock and you will be uncomfortably full.
2. Drink a large glass of water before you eat dinner. Drinking water before you eat can help fill up your stomach making you more full. When you do start eating, you probably won’t eat as much because you won’t be quite so hungry.
3. Stick to proper portion sizes. While it’s tempting to really load up your plate with pounds of Thanksgiving’s finest, it’s important to remember that portion control is still largely in effect even though it’s a holiday. Don’t worry, there will be plenty of leftovers on Friday, so there’s no need to over due it on Thursday!
4. Make sure you cover all your bases. We have a tendency to go straight for the pumpkin pie that seems to have been eyeing you all night, but start with salad. Make sure you’re getting all of your nutrients, and then of course it’s a good idea to splurge on a slice of pie afterward.
5. Take a breather after your first helping. Wait about twenty minutes before jumping in line for round two of candied yams. You might not be as hungry as you think you are if you let your food settle a bit!