This time of the year, at least in countries that celebrate Thanksgiving, is well known for the gathering filled with delicious foods, amazing treats, and wine, usually paired with the “I ate too much” feeling. But what to do when you’re trying to stick to your eating habits?
Let me tell you about a few strategies I thought to help you enjoy Thanksgiving foods and still feel good about sticking to your healthy eating habits.
Bring a dish.
Be that one person who brings the healthy option, the salad, the refined sugar-free treat. Most people will be curious to try it and your dish can make up the majority of your plate if you’re trying to avoid some of the food that’s being served. When it comes to alcohol, bring alcohol-free beer, wine, or a fun mocktail.
Ask the cook.
If you have diet restrictions, don’t be shy and ask how the dish was made. It’s a great way to interact and the cook will usually happily explain the process and ingredients. If you need to avoid a dish for health reasons, it’s perfectly understandable.
Enjoy the food.
Yes. Appreciate and savor the food, pay attention to its texture, flavor, and smell. Eat slowly, put your fork down between bites, perhaps share a plate with a loved one. This is mindful eating and can be practiced every day! By enjoying your food and paying attention to the meal in front of you, you allow your body to stay present in a calm state and aware of the sensation of fullness.
Moderation.
It is key. It’s fine to take a detour and enjoy Thanksgiving food before going back to the track. But moderation is what’s going to do the job. Eat a little bit of everything, get a small portion of everything you want to try, and enjoy your food slowly, appreciating it until you feel full.
Take food home.
That’s right! At most Thanksgiving gatherings I’ve been to there’s usually more food than what everybody can eat and the host offers food to be taken home if you wish. Do it! If you would like to eat more but are full, know that you’ll have plenty for tomorrow.
Freeze it.
Turkey freezes really well, and so do other dishes. How about you freeze the leftovers and enjoy them a couple of months from now, instead of eating too much? Thanksgiving food is delicious and you might be stoked when you open your freezer and find that amazing stuffing aunt made. You can get creative and incorporate them into other dishes or eat them as is.
Say no.
To whatever it is. To a dish you rather not try, to the glass of wine, to the multiple invitations. You can stay at home, cook for yourself, and your family, or just plan a different celebration, like hiking, watching movies, putting a Christmas tree up, or whatever it is.
To take away, from a nutritionist perspective, it’s okay if you indulge in Thanksgiving food at your family’s dinner. You’ll get back on track after the festivities. Unless you have restrictions due to health issues, that cookie or glass of wine is worth the benefits of positive social interactions. Try to enjoy the holiday and make the best out of it.
Here’s another article for more “What you can do”. Check it out to learn more about how you can help your digestion.
