Turkey Talk

I get many requests at this time of year asking how to make the Thanksgiving meal healthier. My advice? Don’t bother. Thanksgiving is just one day – or two or three if you have leftovers! I think we should enjoy the traditional dishes that make this day special to us. One day is not going to make or break anyone’s healthy living plan. But if you’re struggling with your weight, or actively working on losing weight, you want to avoid weight gain over the holidays. So here are my big tips for having a fun holiday season, enjoying your favorite foods, but staying on track with your health and weight.

• Think Long Term. The problem with Thanksgiving is not the day itself. But Thanksgiving signals the start of a month-long holiday food frenzy that won’t end until New Year’s Day when it's "Hello Dry January!" Think in terms of several days at a time. How are those three or four days balancing out?

• Don’t Try to Lose Weight. The holidays may not be the best time for you to lose weight. If you’ve been losing weight over the past couple of months, make the goal of not gaining any weight. That way, you can enjoy the holiday and just pick back up on your weight loss goals after the holiday. I have known some people who continued losing weight through the holidays - especially with the GLP meds - so this is not an absolute. Just don't stress over it.

• Be Active. Go for lots of walks - even if you skip the gym a bit more - make time for physical activity. If you balance your food with activity, you are less likely to gain weight.

• Choose the Best and Leave the Rest. This weekend and over the rest of the holidays, choose the foods that you really love. If your Aunt Mary makes the best pecan pie in the world and you only get to have it over the holidays, you’ll regret it if you deny yourself. For me? It's my Mom's excellent rum balls. But, I skip the egg nog because, frankly, I think it's kind of gross (don't hate me). As for the chips and dip, I can eat those any time of the year so that's a skip. And those little store-bought cookies in the office lounge that taste like cardboard? Why bother?

• Eat Slowly and Enjoy Your Family and Friends. Yes, the holidays are about the food – but they’re also about fellowship. So slow down your eating and savor the day by catching up with friends and family.

• Don’t Starve Yourself to Save Calories. Skipping meals to save up calories for a party or dinner can backfire with overeating because you're so hungry!

• Eat Healthfully When You Can. When you’re not at parties or dinners, stick to your daily healthy eating plan. Then you can eat the not-so-healthy holiday foods when the time comes. Think balance and you can enjoy holiday foods without losing ground on your health goals.

•  Take Some “Me Time”. Take time to focus on yourself. Whether that’s getting a massage, practicing yoga, reading a book, shooting some hoops, or knitting – it’s up to you. Do what relaxes you.

Thanksgiving is the gateway to the gauntlet of holiday parties, overeating, and over-drinking. Interestingly, research shows that most people don't gain a whole lot of weight over the holidays - on average, about .8 to 2 pounds. The problem is, many don't ever lose those few pounds so that Christmas sweater gets a bit snug over the years! So set your healthy holiday habits mindset now!

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Beth