By Ron and Julie Meiss

1

SIX TIPS FOR HEALTHY THANKSGIVING EATING

DON’T SKIP YOUR REGULAR MEALS

Fasting the full day until it’s time to begin enjoying your

holiday meal can only lead to overeating. Not only does a

good breakfast provide energy for the day, but it can also

get your metabolism off to a good start. If you have

breakfast and aren’t eating until later in the day, make sure

that you get at least several healthy snacks such as nuts,

fruit or veggies and dip, before the big meal so you’re not

famished at mealtime and more likely to over eat.

PLAN TO SUCCEED

Think about what you want to eat during the meal so

that you don’t see the buffet table and load

everything onto your plate. Picture some things that

you definitely want to have and leave the others on

the table. Also, plan the whole week around

Thanksgiving Day by going easy for a couple of days

before and after the holiday. This will even out your

total weekly calorie intake.

ASK FOR A SMALLER PLATE

We’ve all heard this tip, but it is an important one. By using a smaller plate you’re

automatically getting a smaller portion of each dish, which in turn means less food.

Remember....choose some special items and skip the others.

By Ron and Julie Meiss

2

DON’T DEPRIVE YOURSELF

Allow yourself to taste everything that really looks good to you. If there is

something that is really high in calories, such as your grandmother’s famous

pumpkin pie, don’t say no to it all together, just

don’t allow yourself a whole piece. Instead offer to

share it with someone else or just simply ask for a

smaller piece.

Often times, cutting out entire dishes can give the

mentality of “I didn’t eat any pie so I can have as

much stuffing as I want.” This throws the concept of

smaller portions out the window. So go ahead and at

least try everything you want, it will keep you from

feeling deprived later.

TAKE TIME TO EAT SLOWLY

Take it slow while you’re eating and you’ll be able to better detect when you’re full.

Not only will you enjoy the food on your plate better but you’ll thank yourself later

when you’re not bloated and sleepy.

Try sipping some tea in between bites so that

you’re not rushing through the meal. Or take

time in between bites to catch up with some

people you haven't seen for a while. The point is

to use the time to enjoy conversation instead of

rushing your tasty meal.

STAY AWAY FROM SECONDS

Before you head back for a second helping, take the time to question whether

you’re doing it out of hunger or habit. More than likely, if you’re being honest, the

decision will be that you’re full enough at the time and really do not need any more.