Just in time.
I don't know about you, but I'm already cooking and freezing for next week. I am gearing up and looking forward to a week long family reunion. My kids are visiting us in SW Florida for sun, relaxation and, of course, mom's home cooking. You see, I am a dietitian who LOVES to cook. This is my moment. So, when I read Dr. Jo's newsletter this morning, it made me think about what we should focus on. We can enjoy the wonderful flavors of the holidays without tons of added calories. Many of us make excuses for totally indulging during the holidays by saying, "it's only once a year". Being smart about food choices during the holidays can spare the pain of getting rid of the spare tire later.
Here is what Dr. Jo (Joanne "Dr. Jo" Lichten- www.drjo.com) said so well...
Focus On: Rethink Thanksgiving
Do you eat too much on Thanksgiving? One day of overeating is no big deal, but overeating on Thanksgiving, for some, can open the flood gates to more overeating....all the way through the holidays.
Here are some thoughts to keep you healthy through the next week and beyond:
-Start off the day right. Get your metabolism going with a walk, a run, or dance in the living room.
-Don't go hungry. Many people, in anticipation of the afternoon feast, forgo eating anything until the big spread. Unfortunately, when you're THAT hungry, it's difficult to turn anything down. Enjoy breakfast.
-Have a spread of appetizers. You're not the only one who's hungry before the turkey appears. But, save all those calories for the real meal. Think instead of raw veggies and low fat ranch dressing, grapes and other fresh fruit, and nuts in their shell.
-Save a little here and there. Just because it's a feast, doesn't mean you have to blow the calories on everything! Think about cutting the fat in half in the mashed potatoes. Drain the grease off the broth before thickening it into gravy. And, peel off the skin before eating your turkey.
-"Eat your pleasers, skip your teasers." That's my lingo for "stop eating stuff just because it's there...eat foods that really excite your taste buds." So, instead of grabbing a big slice of something you've never tried before, take a thin sliver and then ask yourself if it's a teaser or a pleaser.
-Stand up and lose weight. Years ago, my daughter noticed that when people sit too long, they overeat. And, it's not until they stand up do they really notice how MUCH they've overeaten! They typically stand up, clutch their belly and proclaim, "Oh, I think I ate too much!" So...take an opportunity part-way through the meal to stand up and check your fullness level. Why not fit in a walk between dinner and dessert?
Great advice. Thank You, Dr. Jo!
Live, Love and Bon Appetit! Have a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
Visit my website at www.D-Signed4Health.com.
