How To Avoid Eating Too Much on Thanksgiving

Posted by Melissa Carter at 11/22/2010 2:50 PM
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: Thanksgiving Bert Show Melissa Eating




1.  Eat Breakfast.  We think skipping breakfast will save calories, but meal-skipping actually leads to overeating later.  Those who skip breakfast tend to anxiously grab at the appetizers before the feast, which leads to a far higher calorie intake than if breakfast was securely in your belly.

2.  Start with Soup.  A low-calorie hot liquid helps to fill you up, so you have a better "full" feeling on fewer calories.

3.  Replace the Fat in Stuffing with Low-Sodium Chicken Broth.  Most recipes have 2 to 3 sticks of butter or margarine as the "liquid" to moisten the bread stuffing.  Replace that with equal amounts of low-sodium chicken broth for extra flavor without the calories.

4.  Alternate Your Alcohol.  Have a drink, then a seltzer or diet soda.  It cuts your calories in half.

5.  Use a Tablespoon to Serve Yourself instead of a Ladle.  It's built-in portion control.

6.  Skip the Skin.  There is very little difference in the calories of white and dark meant, but cutting out the skin of the turkey will cut your calories in half.

7.  De-Fat the Gravy.  Fat-free gravy can be full of flavor.  Cook your turkey with enough time to cool the pan juices and make your gravy after dumping the hardened fat that rises to the top.  Or use a gravy separator to get rid of the fat.

8.  Lose the Crust.  Make your favorite pumpkin pie filling, and put in small ramekins.  Bake until firm.  Top with some chopped walnuts or a swirl of whipped cream.

9.  Choose a Simple Potato.  Go plain for the potato and sprinkle with fresh or dried herbs and seasonings, including ground pepper and chives.  Skip the butter, cheese, and sour cream mix-ins - and the brown sugar in sweet potato casseroles.  Use some of your de-fatted gravy on top for extra flavor.

10. Take a 30-minute Walk, Not Nap, After Eating.  Most want to go directly from the dinner table to the couch, but take a walk instead.  It will help with digestion as well.
 

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  • 11/22/2010 3:37 PM Clair wrote:
    You can eat too much at Thanksgiving? Impossible!! SMOKE AND MIRRORS!
    Reply to this
  • 11/23/2010 10:12 AM melissa hester wrote:
    the funny thing is- my friends and I count on overeating on Thanksgiving. Remember the pilgrims and the indians feasted! haha
    Reply to this
  • 11/23/2010 8:16 PM Gum Ball Machine Warehouse wrote:
    I think I have already started eating too much for thanksgiving. You are right though, I think the key is to not deprive yourself but to fill yourself up with things that are healthier - then you will eat less of the really bad stuff but you'll still be satisfied.
    Reply to this
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