SURVIVING THANKSGIVING

Don’t wake up feeling like a stuffed turkey

WRITER: LORI ESAREY

Do you ever wonder why you feel so stuffed after Thanksgiving dinner? Could it be the average holiday dinner packs more than 2,000 calories? Yes, 2,000. Then we go straight to the couch and watch football.

Here are a few survival strategies to help you cut those calories and leave you feeling satisfied rather than stuffed. After all, who can enjoy the day feeling stuffed?

SUGAR FOR EVERY 1

1/2 cup

5 min

IF YOU ARE THE GUEST OF A THANKSGIVING DINNER:

Don’t go to dinner hungry. Eat a good breakfast and lunch to avoid overeating at dinner. Your body can only digest and use so many calories at one time.

Change your mindset. Thanksgiving dinner is not an all-you-can-eat event. You should eat one well-proportioned plate. That includes non-starchy vegetables and lean meats (white turkey meat or chicken breast). That should leave you with one-quarter of the plate to have something with starch if you desire. Eat slow and stop short of feeling full.

Take your turkey bare. This means no skin and grabbing only the white meat. This small change will save you fat and cholesterol. Keep it to 4–6 ounces and save the rest of your appetite for non-starchy vegetables.

Watch portion sizes. Go for smaller portions so you can sample more items. Moderation is the key.

Don’t forget your water. Drink eight ounces before your meal. This will trigger those stretch receptors in your stomach and notify your brain earlier that you are full. Alcohol and caffeine dehydrate.