Take these steps to avoid the feeding frenzy…
- Don’t skip breakfast. Follow your regular eating pattern (every 3 hours; meal; snack) so you are not overly hungry when the holiday meal is served.
- Have a low-fat snack before leaving for your holiday meal. (non-fat Greek yogurt; low-fat cottage cheese; piece of fruit; small salad).
- When you are preparing the food:
- Spray pans with non-stick cooking spray instead of using butters or oils.
- When baking, replace half or all the butter or oil with equal amount of unsweetened applesauce.
- Substitute two egg whites for each egg.
- Prepare food with low-fat cheese.
- Instead of heavy cream, use evaporated skim milk.
- For pie crust, try crushed graham crackers.
- If your stuffing calls for butter, eliminate it and use chicken broth.
- Use fat-free broth to baste the turkey.
Before piling food on your plate, look at the food choices…don’t waste your calories on foods you can have every other day of the year.
Have tastes of your favorite holiday foods. Don’t go for seconds.
If you are having alcohol, follow every drink with water.
Photo Credit: happybeinghealthy.com
Above all, remember: THANKSGIVING IS A HOLIDAY NOT A HOLIWEEK! Actually, it is just a MEAL… when it’s done, get right back to your healthy lifestyle of eating smart and moving more!
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