How to Avoid Overeating At Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving is one of the most notorious days for overeating (next to Super Bowl Sunday)! Because it's is a social holiday, we tend to unconsciously load our plates two, three, maybe four times with all of the comfort food associated with this great holiday. As tempting as it is to overeat during the festivities, we often are filled with regret afterward. I am a big proponent of indulging once in a while (especially during the holidays), but I try to do everything in moderation.
As you head to your family gatherings this holiday season try these effective tricks to help you enjoy them responsibly!
Keep up with your workout. Just because you are off from work, does not mean you should take off from your active lifestyle. Even if it is for 20 minutes, make sure you do something active, especially prior to the big meal!
Avoid going to dinner ALREADY starving. You don’t have to fast for the feast. Boost your metabolism by eating small, light foods throughout the day up until dinner. By the time dinner comes, your eyes won’t be bigger than your stomach and you should have more willpower to lessen your portion size.
Take a small serving size of each item. Don't just load your plate with everything. You don't want to feel obligated to clean your plate. If you are still hungry, you can go back for small seconds later.
Eat slow and chew your food completely. Slowing down your speed, allows you to give your body time to respond to the amount of food you are eating. This makes it more likely that you will gradually start to feel yourself feeling full, rather than it sneaking up on you once it's too late!
Be selective about your drinks. If you are partaking in a couple of cocktails, make sure you choose something that isn't too high in calories. Try to increase your water intake to help your body with digestion. and to make yourself feel more full. Try to limit yourself to no more than 2 drinks.
Regardless of your holiday plans, be sure to focus on enjoying the moment and appreciating all that you have! For me, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and show gratitude, not only to others but to ourselves as well. Be grateful for your bodies and all that they allow you to do. Thank your bodies by being kind to them and not abusing them too much during the holiday season!