With the holidays approaching, some might see Thanksgiving as the green light to forget about maintaining or losing weight. There are ways to eat delicious food while eating healthy, though it takes discipline and planning. Be ready to resist the holiday temptations, eat for your health, and prevent yourself from falling into a holiday food trap.
Speak to Your Host
Find out ahead of time what is going to be served at the Thanksgiving or Holiday meal that you are attending. This will give you the chance to come up with a plan based on what you will be eating. Turkey without the skin is fine, unless it is fried. Go light or do not have stuffing. Opt for the steamed or boiled vegetables. Stick to whole grains instead of simple carbs. Plan ahead of time which desert you will eat.
Go Pot Luck
If you find out ahead of time that the menu is lacking in the vegetable or fruit department, offer to bring those dishes. If there is very little whole grains on the menu, suggest that someone bring whole grain rice. Come armed with options for yourself, or make sure they will be there so that you do not feel left out and that you have the ability to make good choices.
Fill Your Own Plate
Serve yourself and be aware of what you are putting on your plate. Make sure that whole grains, fruits and vegetables make up the majority of your meal. They are filling, high in fiber and are healthy for you. Pay attention to the portion sizes that are going on your plate. Remember, that it is okay to try a little of everything, but you do not have to have a full serving or two of every dish.
Practice Mindful Eating
Sometimes, when there is a lot of food in social settings, you may mindlessly keep snacking or munching on food without realizing how much or what you are eating. Eat mindfully by chewing slowly, paying attention to what you are eating and how it tastes. Stop in between bites and socialize to make your plate last longer and avert the temptation to refill it. Pay attention to how you feel. If you are no longer hungry, cut yourself off and stop eating.
Don't Desert Dessert
Dessert does not have to be unhealthy, yet on holiday occasions, usually it is. This is one of the areas that you may need to take charge of. Make sure that there is a dessert that is healthy by bringing some healthy options. Bring a fresh fruit salad or berries and non fat whipped cream. Eat dessert slowly, make sure the portion sizes are small, and enjoy the experience of eating rather than rushing through the process.
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