Thanksgiving is upon us!
Maybe you’ve already started a healthy eating plan, which may be known by others as a DIET, which I sometimes refer to as a 4 letter word.
After all, this is holiday is only once a year event, but it is completely food focused. If you’ve been working out more and watching what you eat, you might be somewhat reluctant to see all the hours of gym time, the sweaty towels, memories of iPod playlists and smaller healthier portions erased by one afternoon of carbohydrate loading and fights over who gets the last drop of Aunt Matilda’s gravy.
What’s your favorite food?
If like me, you’re trying to be healthier and drop a few excess pounds, you really have to ask yourself a few questions before Thanksgiving.
It’s all about the choices?
Can you eat a dinner roll on other days? Sure you can, so if you’re concerned about your weight, I’d skip the bread, and have stuffing instead. (hey that rhymes)
Cranberry sauce and stuffing may be your favorites, and they aren’t available throughout the year, so maybe you’ll have those instead of the a mountain of mashed potatoes? Just some suggestions, you’ll figure out what will work for you.
Appetizers Anyone?
Again, it depends on what they are. If you’re looking at a vegetable tray, please dive in and fill up. If it’s cheese and crackers, maybe save the calories for a yummy desert.
Dessert?
Do you love pumpkin pie, but hate the calories? Skip the crust. Or if you’re the pastry chef, or in charge of dessert, bake some of the pumpkin filling in ramekins along side the pie and top with whipped cream and violá, pumpkin pie without the guilt.
Guilt Free Zone
Love it? Go ahead and enjoy every bite. The idea is to savor the food and take your time to taste it.
What do you love on Thanksgiving?
This is the beauty of Thanksgiving. Sharing food is a wonderful way to express our love and appreciation for one another, being with friends and family and giving thanks. And staying mindful of our choices ahead of time, will help us all feel more in control, less bloated and overstuffed later and help us have enough energy for a walk or a game of football.
Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
