Gobble this up…….
The average individual consumes3000 calories during a Thanksgiving meal. Add wine and cocktails, and this numbercan top 4500, according to theCalorie Control Council.That’s more than double what our daily caloric intake should be.
We all want to enjoy our holiday meal and not worry about calories. An occasional splurge is part of giving thankswith family and friends. But, there are ways to incorporate moderation into thecelebration and feel better the day after.
1. Eat lightly theday before with afocuson fresh vegetables and fiber.
2. Crunch it! Snack on an apple, sliced raw veggies or a handful of unsalted nuts to appease your hungry stomachwhile you cook or wait for the big meal.
3. Drink a large glass of water before you start imbibing. It will give you a feeling of fullness.Continue to drink water throughout the meal to counter the dehydrating effects of alcohol.
4. Take smaller bites. Cut up your food. Chew slowly. Put the fork down between bites. We all tend to eat too fast.
5. Take a brisk walk or other form of exercise the morning ofand/or after your meal.
6. After you clean your plate offer to clear the table. This will hopefully prevent you from going back for seconds.
7. Nibbling is for mice. Resist the urgewhile you cook or pack up leftovers.
8. If you are invited to someone’s home, offer to bring a salad or vegetable dish (I am always in charge of the salad for our meal).
9.Instead of noshing on leftovers all weekend, start a tradition like we have by hosting a “friendsgiving” Friday potluckand invite people to bring their leftovers for a mashup meal.
10. Pot it or freeze it. All the “remains” of bones, bird and veggies end up simmering in a large pot the weekend after the meal to make broth. Anything left is stored in the freezer.
And that the leftover pumpkin pie still in our freezer from 2016…time to reheat and eat!
Happy Thanksgiving!
