Enjoy the Holidays Without Packing on the Pounds!

You can still enjoy your holiday favorites by strategizing before the big meal.  Thanksgiving can be a 3000+ calorie meal, but it’s not the only food trap during the holidays.  Family get-together’s, office parties, and trips to the mall can all pose a potential disaster. 

 The following tips will help reduce Thanksgiving caloric overload:

·         Remove the skin from the turkey – save about 50 calories

·         Eat white meat instead of dark – save about 80 calories and 10 grams of fat for a 4 oz. serving

·         Use nonfat milk instead of whole milk when making mashed potatoes (skip the butter – you won’t miss it – really) I add a little nonfat sour cream.

·         Skip the butter when making the stuffing –  try it, you cannot taste the difference

·         Choose to eat either mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes instead of both

·         Steam or roast vegetables instead of saturating them in butter or cream sauces

·         Choose pumpkin pie instead of pecan pie – save about 133 calories and 6 grams

      of fat.  I also discard the crust at the end to save extra calories.

·         Limit alcohol to one drink with the meal - alcohol tends to increase appetite as well

      as adding empty calories

·         Eat a normal breakfast (and light lunch if you eat the Thanksgiving meal later in the

       evening) so you’re not starving and then pig-out on appetizers and snacks

·         Enjoy every bite! 

Decreasing portion size and finding time to exercise during the day are the most practical tips for reducing calories.  Since I live in California it’s easy to go for a walk or hike after the Thanksgiving meal.  However, if you live in a colder climate many gyms offer classes to help members stay committed to their fitness routines.  Happy Thanksgiving!     

REMEMBER:  One pound of fat equals 3500 calories!