Source: flickr.com user jlewis581

I’m sure it happens to everyone, the days are shorter and colder and the holiday spirit wants to keep you snug in a blanky all winter long with hot cocoa in one hand and fresh baked cookies in the other. Before you know it your husband is pinching that extra belly fat and you defensively call it your “festively plump” stage. After all, how can we not gain these extra ten pounds with all of the goodness shoved in our faces? My mother use to put a sticker over her mouth while cooking Thanksgiving dinner to halt all temptation of snacking. As a child I would tease and laugh, but now I see where the woman was coming from…it was a desperate place. So to help you avoid desperate measures here are a few tips that should help you get through this holiday season without packing on the pounds.

#1 Portion Control – I know, I know – the joy of the holiday season is forgoing control and indulging. We can still indulge, but indulge in the different aspects of the holiday (family, friends, gift giving) more and the social eating less. When you sit down for your meal remember the plate method: A quarter should be protein, (like turkey) a quarter should be starch (stuffing or mashed potatoes) and half should be vegetables. And of course don’t forget to sprinkle your SENSA so you feel fuller faster and longer!

flickr.com user JoshuaCGillespie

#2 Choose Healthy Recipes – With obesity being an epidemic in this country there are plenty of healthy recipes that can cut your calorie intake in half. This is definitely an option when you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner. Instead of basting your turkey in its own fats and oils choose a recipe with less fat and calories, here is one of my favs Wine Roasted Turkey and it has about half the calories! And while I’m on the subject of cooking here are a few tips that will reduce the calories in your food: Bake the stuffing on the side instead of inside the turkey so it does not absorb the fat from the turkey. Also you can roast your turkey upside down on a rack, so the juices go into the turkey breast and the fat drips to the bottom of the pan.

#3 Be Active – Instead of turning on the football game and parking your butt in front of the remote and onion dip, play a light game of football yourself. Or while the turkey is roasting take the dog for a walk.

And lastly start the day with breakfast, this will help with your temptation to overindulge when the Thanksgiving meal is ready!

Happy Holidays everyone and if you have any personal tips that you use or a great recipe, please share in the comment box!

By for now,

Missy

Posted in Main at November 10th, 2009 by Missy
Tags: Healthy eating, low calorie
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