Thanksgiving is finally right around the corner. This doesn’t just mean a break from school and a time to visit friends and family at home. It also involves the delicious spreads of food that you’ve been waiting for all year. Between professors piling on homework, studying for finals, and working to save up for holiday shopping, it can be easy to skip out on gym time, reach for a quick unhealthy meal, and pack on the pounds. But here are some helpful tips to guide you through a healthier Thanksgiving and holiday season:
- Don’t Skip Out on Breakfast
You may think the giant platters of your favorite Thanksgiving food are worth the wait, but breakfast is still the most important meal of the day. Eating a small, but satisfying meal will help control your appetite, and prevent you from overeating during dinner. Choose something like scrambled eggs and whole wheat toast, which will keep you full enough until the main course (or courses) finally arrives.
- Do Something Active in the A.M
While a Turkey Trot after dinner is a tradition for some, a long walk or run is the last thing most of us want to do after a large meal. But while you have some downtime, before family arrives and dinner is served, try to sneak in some physical activity. Starting your day with something healthy is great, and it will help you burn more calories throughout the rest of the day. It will also help you from feeling a little guilty about indulging in a little extra dessert.
- Smaller Portions of the Good Stuff
There are plenty of healthy options on the Thanksgiving dinner table. Turkey, both white and dark meat, is packed with protein, and has fewer calories than Honey Baked Ham or Prime Rib. Choose to top your turkey with gravy, rather than cranberry sauce, which can be packed with sugar, especially if it comes from a can. Fresh, roasted veggies like green beans, carrots, and sweet potatoes are great sides. Even mashed potatoes aren’t all that bad when stacked up against roasted marshmallow topped, candied yams.
- But Don’t Be Afraid to Indulge
Remember, it’s Thanksgiving, it only comes once a year, so don’t be afraid to indulge. It won’t kill you! But to keep you from mindlessly overeating a bunch of extra calories, remember to keep at least ¾ of your plate filled with healthy food. Then, use the last ¼ to fill your plate with whatever your heart desires, and savor those yummy foods you’ve been waiting for!
- If You’re Full, Avoid Seconds and Save Dessert for Later
While it is easy to go and fill your plate multiple times during dinner, really think about how you’re feeling as you eat. Once you’re full, take a break from eating. Use the time between dinner and dessert to focus on the people, instead of the food around you. When you’re no longer feeling stuffed, choose a slice of pumpkin pie for desert, which can be about 100 calories less than a slice of apple pie! Also be sure to avoid pecan pie, which can be up to 700 calories per slice. And remember that having your desert a la mode can add almost 300 extra calories.
Hopefully these tips will help you navigate your way through the sea of dishes at your holiday feast.
Happy Thanksgiving from HC Suffolk!