 Thanksgiving tips: portions, slow eating
We are only a few days away from what my daughter refers to as "butter day." I remember one Thanksgiving, when I opened the oven to pull out rolls and stuffing, my husband said "mmmmm, carbs!"
It's true, all year long it's lean meat and whole grains at my house, but one day of the year, it's carbs and butter.
It's funny, but we tend to tell ourselves, "How bad can Thanksgiving be? After all, it's just turkey, right?"
It's turkey, and buttery stuffing, and sugary cranberries and white bread and pie!
And yes, it is just one day. But go slow and enjoy your food. And if you are going to spend the calories, be sure it's something you really want.
Don't start the dinner off starving. Have a decent breakfast and eat some fruit and other light snacks throughout the day.
At dinnertime, get one plateful. Fill one-third to one-half of your plate with turkey and small portions of everything else. Stick to one serving spoonful.
Remember, the portions may be small, but the fat and calories are dense. I promise you will not starve. In fact, it might be nice to spend one Thanksgiving not having to pop the buttons open on your jeans as you search for the antacid.
When you are done, don't sit at the table, picking at what's left. Get up, move around, help clean up, go visit family around the house. Pop a mint or gum in your mouth to help cleanse the tastes.
If you are hosting the festivities, be sure to send the leftovers out of the house. There are always plenty of takers.
And later, if you'd like, have one small piece of pie. Go slow, enjoy the food and you'll likely wake up Friday feeling pretty good about the day and ready to start shopping! |
