How to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner without Gaining a Pound!

Image by Tuchodi

For those who are trying to lose weight, an event like Thanksgiving can seem daunting. Today I wanted to share a few tips, some unconventional, to help you make it through the day (and enjoy it)!

If this comes off as preachy, I is not intended! Just imagine you are overhearing me talk to myself, OK? Cause that’s what I’m doing!

Exercise the Morning of Thanksgiving

Try to fit something in. Really push hard.

If you are short on time, do intervals (short bursts of high intensity), they are very effective at burning calories.

Doing a workout before you eat is useful because it provides an “afterburn” effect . Your body will be burning extra calories even after your done sweating!

Slow Down

Take time to savor and enjoy each bite!

More importantly, put down your fork and focus on your family. Join in the conversation, satisfy yourself with fulfilling conversation and this special time of fellowship with your family. Then you will find yourself really satisfied.

This will also (hopefully) slow down your eating and allow your stomach to let your brain know when you have had enough food. This can take up to 20 mins so seriously SLOW DOWN.

Eat Real Food

This may not be popular, but I DO NOT advise eating fat-free, sugar-free pudding, or anything like it! This kind of food just does not satisfy. It is better to choose your favorite dessert and eat a moderate piece.

Get hungry – politely hungry

I am not a fan of eating before a meal so you won’t eat much at the meal. It sounds good, but has not worked for me.

My best tip is to eat light in the morning and be somewhat hungry (not absolutely ravenous) for Thanksgiving dinner. Take small portions of whatever you like.

Here’s the kicker: STOP EATING WHEN YOU ARE POLITELY FULL. NOT STUFFED!

Then wait until you are hungry before eating again.

Remember Thanksgiving is a Day, not a Week-long Event.

OK, for some it is a week-long event, but that doesn’t mean we have to gorge ourselves every day. Sticking with only eating when you are hungry and stopping when you are full will help you get through.

Enjoying a piece of pie is fine, but eating it every day of the week may hamper your success.

Don’t forget: There is more at the store!

Many of us gobble up the delicious treats that grace our table atThanksgiving because they are only around once a year. We think if we don’t eat it now, we won’t have another chance for a year! But this is not true in most cases, there is nothing stopping us from enjoying a treat every now and then, and there are no rules that say we can only have pecan pie in November and December!

Remember this and feel free to skip something that looks delicious if you have already had enough pie.

Wrap Up your Leftovers

If you really love something but are already full, wrap it up and put it away. If you’re really serious, mark it with your name!

Sometimes knowing we could eat the rest is enough to help us stop. Many times we won’t actually eat the leftovers. Once you get hungry again, they may not look very appetizing anymore.