Choose ahead how to wisely enjoy your Thanksgiving meal. Plan it and put it in writing ahead of time. What will you say about it on Friday 11/23rd? Decide now.
You can choose smaller portions of some of the traditional high calorie options, or you can make lower calorie dishes. Weight Watchers, Eating well, Cooking Light, and Hungry Girl have all put out swap suggestions and great holiday tips online. Here are a few links to help you with healthy choices:
- Rick Rodgers’ Best-Ever Slimmed Down Turkey & Gravy
- Thanksgiving Recipe Makeover
- CookingLight’s 13 Great Thanksgiving Meals
- Hungry Girl’s Thanksgiving Recipes
Exercise more before and after the feast. If weather permits, maybe the gang can take a walk together after the meal. Otherwise put on some good music and dance to a few tunes.
If you’re the host, use smaller plates. Research shows we can lose 18 pounds in one year by using 9-10 inch plates.
Don’t leave serving dishes on the table. Guests/family will be forced to get up to get more-so will you.
Give the leftovers to your guests or donate them to someone hungry and less fortunate.
When you leave the table, be grateful for your family and friends. Enjoy them, and smile, knowing you’ll still fit comfortably in your favorite jeans tomorrow.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Ellen is a psychotherapist in private practice in San Francisco and Redwood City, California. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and incorporates the use of mindfulness into the treatment of depression, anxiety, and emotional overeating. She runs a holistic weight loss program called Center for Thoughtful Weight Loss, www.thoughtfulweightloss.com. You can email Ellen at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter at @thoughtfullellen.
Copyright © 2012 Ellen N. Resnick, LCSW
