Hello Nutritionizers! Quick post to wish you all a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving! The holidays are a time for family and fun so strive for maintenance rather than weight loss and be kind to yourself by feeding your desires (especially when it comes to pumpkin pie!).
Along with applying the basics of the Zoleo Philosophy, here are some more tips to Nutritionize your Thanksgiving feast:
1. Eat Breakfast
While you might think it makes sense to save up calories for the big meal, experts say eating a small meal in the morning can give you more control over your appetite.
2. Police Your Portions
Thanksgiving tables are bountiful and beautiful displays of traditional family favorites. Before you fill your plate, survey the buffet table and decide what you're going to choose. Then select reasonable-sized portions of foods you cannot live without. Eat the foods that are holiday favorites rather than indulging on foods you can have all year long.
A big part of Thanksgiving is leftovers and they taste much better the NEXT day so try to limit yourself to one plate, keep room for dessert and enjoy a second plate the next day.
3. Choose the Best Bets on the Buffet.
While each of us has our own favorites, keep in mind that some holiday foods are better choices than others.
- White turkey meat
- Plain veggies
- Roasted sweet potatoes (my favorite, see recipe below)
- Defatted gravy
- Green beans
-
Pumpkin pie ( its high in vitamin A and fiber)
4. Slowly Savor
Experts say Eating slowly, putting your fork down between bites, and tasting each mouthful is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your meal and feel satisfied with one plate full of food.
Plan your feast for midday and continue it throughout the evening with plenty of breaks.
5. Drink Water
I'm a big proponent of hydration for health. Drinking water lets you accurately assess hunger and keeps gut working efficiently. Also drinking water between alcoholic beverages keeps you sober and limits the intake. Also, drinking water between alcoholic beverages keeps you sober and limits alcohol calories.
6. PLAY!
The holidays are a time for food, family and fun. Take the time to celebrate relationships with family and friends and do something active together. Going for a hike, having a football game, playing with kids, and even laughing and cooking together are all ways to keep moving.
Note: If you are looking for an activity come play with me at turkey trot in SJ, I will be there leading some stretches!
7. Relax
The most important tip of all is to take this time to let go of life's stresses and relax the mind. Pamper yourself, take a few deep breaths, smile, and allow your body to rejuvenate. In the long run this will pay off.
Have an awesome Thanksgiving; see you all after the holidays!
Recipe: Roasted Yams (Healthy Substitute)
I love yams and actually am not a huge fan of candied yams instead I prefer this simple substitute.
- Roast yams in a casserole dish for about 1hr @ 425 degrees
- Once the yams are cooked through (a fork should easily go through the yams) bring out the dish and let the yams cool slightly.
- Peel and mash the yams, including any syrup the yams release when roasting.
- Empty into a bowl and top with orange zest or sea salt and ENJOY!
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