The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year. Spice cakes, pumpkin pie, and turkey— or tofurkey— galore, Thanksgiving is no time to skimp out on your calories. However, this holiday can be a particularly stressful time for those experiencing the pressures of diet culture. Here are my top tips to enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday with full satisfaction, and zero guilt.
1. Eat a satisfactory breakfast.
It can be tempting to skip a meal to save up calories for the big feast. However, when it comes time for the meal, you are going to be HANG-UH-RY. Have a breakfast that both leaves you sated and satisfies your taste buds so your hunger cues can be perfectly in check when the prime dining time comes!
2. Help prepare the food.
Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends. Cooking the meal with your family will help to remind you to think more about the people you love, and less about the nutritional value of the food.
3. Recognize that Thanksgiving happens once a year.
That’s it! One time in every 365 days! That means you have 364 other days, every year, to work out to your liking and eat healthy foods to your liking. Toss those calorie-compensating plans out the window! One day cannot hurt you.
4. Check in with yourself three times during the meal.
It’s finally the time. Check in with yourself three times:
Before the meal: Look at your plate. What are you about to eat? How do you think it will taste? How hungry are you right now?
During the meal: Look at your plate. How does the food taste? What are your favorite things? Are you starting to get full? Will you be satisfied by the end?
After you (maybe) finish your plate: How full are you? How satisfied are your taste buds? Do you need more to be satisfied, or will you be finished once your food digests?
This is called mindful eating. Mindful eating, or intuitive eating, allows you to break from your food rules and really check in with what your body wants, regardless of what your food rules tell you.
5. Socialize at the dinner table.
Again, this reminds you that Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends. It will also help you to not focus so much on the guilt that your diet mindset may be trying to put on you!
6. Don’t skip out on the toppings!
Scan the food items, especially during dessert. Do you want gravy on your turkey? Do you want whipped cream on your pumpkin pie? And of course, do you want more than a skinny-mini slice? Again, Thanksgiving happens once a year. Treat yoself! And trust in what your body desires.
7. Follow up the meal with a light walking activity.
Walking, especially after a big meal, can aid in digestion. It also may make you feel less guilty (although, you shouldn’t feel guilty). Go Black Friday shopping, walk with a friend or family member through the autumn leaves, or go with the family to find a Christmas tree. Walking can really elevate the mood!
8. And remember: the food is effing good!
So don’t skimp out. Don’t punish yourself. Don’t count the calories. Thanksgiving food is freaking delicious, and something to celebrate! Appreciate the wonderful flavors of pure love and comfort!
Sources:
Anigif_sub-buzz-28420-1481910814-9.gif
Anigif_sub-buzz-28471-1481911040-7.gif
Ca25bd626f0f6b696255ddc4f3053a75.gif
http://giphygifs.s3.amazonaws.com/media/kvecmObxnMjK/giphy.gif
https://media2.giphy.com/media/LMuSfE0WEUZXbMwZfX/giphy.gif
https://media0.giphy.com/media/MEgGD8bV72hfq/giphy.gif
https://media1.tenor.com/images/812c067dd89e63c68a10cce1d4bee08f/tenor.g…
http://31.media.tumblr.com/6828cc6494c254f283759347c8003d1b/tumblr_nnx8m…