While Thanksgiving is a time for family and gratitude, it also comes with a large high calorie meal. I mean who doesn’t love an excuse to eat warm comfort food and a sweet treat or two. By no means are we saying to avoid enjoying a delicious meal but here are 5 ways to stop yourself from overeating on Thanksgiving.
- Make sure to eat a small breakfast and lunch.
While it may be tempting to fast all day and only consume one high calorie meal, it is better to get one’s metabolism moving with some healthy snacks. Try having an egg and toast in the morning and then high protein snacks throughout the afternoon. Not being super hungry is the key to eating a reasonably sized meal come dinner time.
- It is important to drink water throughout the day.
Many of us enjoy having a special beverage or two, but overall it is much more important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Water can help someone feel less hungry and is key for processing foods that are high in sodium.
- 50 / 25 / 25 Rule.
Make 50% of your plate low calorie items such as salad or steamed vegetables. Then 25% of the plate can be proteins and the last 25% carbs. By filling up on low calorie foods there is less of an urge to eat all of the high calorie foods. It is ok to have a little of everything but the key is properly dividing what is on the plate.
- Go for a walk or exercise.
Going for a walk or exercising before dinner has unlimited benefits. Not only do these activities burn calories but they also delay hunger and prevent excess snacking. Use this time to reflect on what you are most grateful for and mentally decompress.
- Wait 10 minutes before getting seconds.
Waiting 10 minutes before getting seconds is very important. While it might be tempting to take the last roll, it is better to let your food settle to see how hungry you really are. Oftentimes that second serving is the gateway to overeating.
