Most Americans walk away from the holidays 3 to 7 pounds heavier!
1. If you’re worried about food choices at the dinner table, bring your own low-fat or nutritious party dish.
2. Don’t skip breakfast or lunch on Thanksgiving Day as this is a sure way to overeat at the dinner table.
3. Remember our bodies aren’t meant to handle 2,000-3,000 calories all at once (the typical Thanksgiving meal packs 3,000 calories plus) and will store excess calories as fat.
4. Control portion sizes: Draw a 12-inch dinner plate in your mind and divide it into three-inch-sized circles with each one representing one food group: proteins, vegetables and starches. The key is to stay within your circle for each food group. If you like turkey and ham, fit a little of both in one circle.
5. Be mindful of your alcohol intake: Mixed drinks tend to have a high amount of concentrated sugar and quickly add empty calories.
6. Be active: Go for a bike ride, a long brisk walk, a run or spend at least one hour to burn calories before Thanksgiving dinner. End dinner with a family walk around the neighborhood or some other form of physical activity (e.g., a game of touch football instead of watching it on the tube).
