Trim Down Tip

Thanksgiving


With Thanksgiving just one day away, it only seems fitting to talk about how to successfully navigate the wide array of foods you may encounter throughout the day.   I will start by saying something some of you may see as blasphemous.  Thanksgiving is by far my least favorite holiday--in terms of food.  I've never been a huge fan of turkey...although it really is growing on me, or stuffing or any of the sides and I definitely don't like pies (fruit and dessert just don't mix!).  However, I know many people absolutely love a good Thanksgiving meal--and trying to maintain some semblance of health during the day--or even the weekend--can be tricky.  Here's where I come in.  


Now, don't get me wrong.  I am the first one in my family to be completely gluttoness during the holidays or a party--but sometimes, if I know that just one small scoop of something contains over half of my calorie intake for the day, I think about it before I have a second bite.   Let me just provide a quick list of typical Thanksgiving foods, caloric content, and serving size.  


Turkey - white meat, no skin - 4oz, 150 calories
Turkey - white meat, with skin - 4oz, 185 calories
Turkey - dark meat, no skin - 4oz, 185 calories
Turkey - dark meat with skin - 4oz, 205 calories
Stuffing - 1/2 cup, 200 calories
Mashed Potatoes - 1/2 cup, 120 calories
Cranberry Sauce - 1/4 cup, 110 calories
Gravy - 1/4 cup, 30 calories
Green Beans - 1 cup, 45 calories
Salad - 3/4 cup, 20 calories (with dressing, 70 calories)
Sweet Potato Casserole - 1/2 cup, 210 calories
Pumpkin Bread - 1/8 loaf, 210 calories
Apple Pie - 1/8 of 9 inch pie, 410 calories
Pumpkin Pie - 1/8 of 9 inch pie, 315 calories
Pecan Pie - 1/8 of 9 inch pie, 500 calories
Fruit Salad - 1 cup, 100 calories


As you have probably figured out--there are some really healthful choices and some that are not so good for you.  There is one key to success that is quite simple, but not so easy to abide by--watch your portions!  Take stuffing for example.  Who eats 1/2 cup of stuffing on Thanksgiving Day?  I'd be willing to bet not many people!  I would say on average people have at least double if not triple the portion of stuffing and boom you've added 600 calories to your meal.  It adds up quickly.


Like I said--they key is portion size.  You can have everything on the table--just don't overdo it.  Have a small amount of the high caloric foods (think stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and pie)--moderation is key!  Fill your plate with lower calorie foods like white meat turkey (no skin!), green beans, and fruit salad.  Then you won't feel starved, or left out, or unsatisfied, because you ate what you wanted and didn't over do it.  For those of you who do overdo it...and most of us always do...remember that one day can't ruin your diet.  Just pick back up where you left off and don't feel frustrated.  Everyone has their moments of overindulgence.  It happens...just eat less at your next meal and move on.


The most important thing is to enjoy it.  Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to be grateful for all you have and enjoy your friends and family.  The food is just an added bonus.




Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday--I won't be posting on Friday.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!



Email me at nicolesilva@weightthatsit.com