By Stephanie Skernivitz
Try a few healthy options alongside your Thanksgiving turkey.
Traveling to grandmother's house for Thanksgiving this year? Understand that if you're not careful, you could easily walk away from that table having consumed anywhere from 2,000 to 7,000 calories without much thought, according to Health Management Resources, a weight loss company. Fortunately, there is a healthier way to enjoy the day. The key to eating a healthier version of the traditional holiday fare is to plan ahead and know what you're eating. Indulge in some health-oriented tips to keep your weight in check without skimping on every favorite dish.
Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Things You'll Need:
- Vegetables
Low-calorie dressing
Water
Tea
Small plates
Lean proteins
Fruit
- Vegetables
- Low-calorie dressing
- Water
- Tea
- Small plates
- Lean proteins
- Fruit
Step 1
Eat a light breakfast and lunch prior to feasting on Thanksgiving dinner.
Step 2
Think before you eat. Choose a favorite dish, but decide to pass on another dish to balance out what you're eating.
Step 3
Limit fatty appetizers and cut down on bread and nut intake, saving room for the main entrees. Instead, try soup as your appetizer. Or dip some fresh vegetables into low-fat dip. Pick a low-calorie dressing for your salad.
Step 4
Choose tea or water over soda and alcoholic drinks, which are laden with calories. Limit coffee, too, as it can dehydrate.
Step 5
Use a smaller plate for the main entrees, which will decrease the amount of food you're able to consume. Divide the plate into four parts -- two parts represent vegetables; one part, lean meat; and the remainder, a starch. Lean protein, which includes turkey --- breast or skinless turkey especially, can help you fill up faster, as will salads and non-starchy vegetables.
Step 6
Savor each bite and slow down your pace. Don't eat once you feel full.
Step 7
Dish up smaller portions of side dishes to enable the chance to sample most dishes.
Step 8
Avoid high-fat entrees and side dishes as much as possible. This includes cream-based or fried dishes, along with cheese-laden casseroles. Some examples of higher-fat dishes include green bean casseroles, mashed potatoes and candied yams.
Step 9
Pass on the two-crust pies for dessert to limit calories. Choose a one-crust pie, if you must, but hold the whipped cream. Fill up on fruits, if they are an option.
Step 10
Forgive yourself, if, after all said and done, you overate and indulged on Thanksgiving Day. It's one day of the year, but refrain from bad eating habits throughout the holiday season so you're not a few pounds overweight by January 1.
Resources
About the Author:
Stephanie is in her element editing pages for print or web-based publications. She is equally adept at writing news-oriented articles and features for a variety of publications, ranging from the automotive industry to veterinary medicine to cosmetic surgery. Stephanie has spent the past 13 years in the trade publishing field. She holds a Bachelor of Science in magazine journalism from Ohio University.
Photo Credits:
Turkey for Thanksgiving image by Elzbieta Sekowska from
Fotolia.com
