subject: A Lean and Mean Turkey Day [print this page] A Lean and Mean Turkey Day A Lean and Mean Turkey Day
Who doesn't love Thanksgiving? Did you know that on Thanksgiving day most of us will take in 4,500 calories or more and nearly 200 grams of fat on Thanksgiving day alone? Research shows that most of those calories come from from the junk food snacks watching events on television like the parades and sports.These are some strategies that can keep you from pigging out like everyone else.Don't snack all day!Prepare healthy snacks for when you watch the parade, like veggies and hummus, a bowl of berries or sunflower seeds, my favorite snack for TV watching! Sun flower seeds have proein and require effort to peel and eat.Don't go to the Thanksgiving dinner hungry!Eat a big healthy breakfast and lunch so you don't overeat at dinner. You know how it works, we end up eating more and faster when we are hungry.Drink lots of waterFill up your stomach with water, which has no calories. Limit and even avoid your alcohol and coffee during dinner...they will dehydrate your body and make you hungrier.Avoid high-fat sidesJust say "no" to macaroni-and-cheese, casseroles and all those fried, creamy and sugary items. Stay away from mashed potatoes that are made with butter and milk, cream of mushroom soup, candied yams, marshmallows and gravy. Instead, choose mashed sweet potatoes with salt and garlic and steamed green beans.Have your turkey skinlessBe smart about the turkey portion you select. You can eat as much white meat turkey as you want, the protein speeds up your metabolism.Watch your portionsDon't go for seconds and thirds. And if you absolutely cannot resist fatty sides, just have a small helping. Remember, moderation is key!Eat slowlyStop when you are full and keep talking to your friends and family. Don't get tempted by more food, get up and walk around if you feel you are having a hard time to resist.Offer to host ThanksgivingIf you are in charge of the meal, you can control the ingredients and make the holiday healthy not just for yourself but for your friends and family as well. Impersonate fat containing ingredients with lowfat or fat-free choice such as egg whites instead of whole eggs, reduced fat milk instead of whole milk, cottage cheese instead of sour cream, etc. Prepare lots of vegetable sides with green and colorful fall veggies. Mash your potatoes with just salt and garlic instead of milk and butter. Choose whole grain breads.
