It's that time of year again. And whether you're getting ready to host or attend a gathering big or small, it's possible to enjoy yourself without going overboard. A few smart choices can mean entering December and the upcoming holiday season still being able to fit into your clothes and looking and feeling good.
A few things to remember for the first big eating event of the holiday season:
Portion control is key. The enemy here isn't the pumpkin or pecan pie; it’s perfectly OK to have dessert. It's not the wine or champagne, either. What you want to avoid at any time, especially during the holidays, is the tendency to overdo it and overeat or overdrink past the point of enjoyment.
Focus on what you love. An easy trick to making it through Thanksgiving still feeling good is to get a lay of the land, food-wise, and identify those indulgences you love versus the more obligatory foods on the table. By choosing just your favorites, you get enjoy the best of the holiday food, without consuming extra calories you don’t really enjoy anyway.
Substitute where possible. If you're preparing food, substitute healthy choices where possible. Fat-free or low-fat yogurt is often a good substitute for sour cream. Applesauce can replace oil in some baked recipes, and there are many substitutes for heavy cream.
Allow the splurge – for a single day. When faced with a table full of delectable treats in an environment full of friends and family and good cheer, go ahead and enjoy yourself. But try to keep the extravagance to the feast day itself – don’t let it go for days on end. If you're hosting, make sure your guests all take plates to go. And if you're a guest, enjoy yourself but leave the food there.
Thanksgiving is a great time to reconnect with loved ones over food and drink. Just make sure you're doing it in a way that keeps you happy and healthy in the long term.
Discover how the guidance of a registered dietitian like Jamie Schlifstein can help you keep living your best life. Call (561) 558-7786 to schedule your initial consult with Jamie at her office in West Palm Beach or Boca Raton, Florida.