How to Enjoy Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving season approaches, how are you planning to celebrate? Will you:

Come ready to share your opinions about the election.
Arrive on an empty stomach so you save your calories for the binge.
Start drinking immediately and aggressively. This is a party!
You’ve worked hard all year- sit on your ass and let the host serve you.
Catch up on those old movies and sit within reaching distance of the snacks.
Skip the “fillers”. Salad and veg take-up precious room on our plates.
When you start feeling full, don’t slow down! This is a once a year feast!
After dinner, roll yourself back to your warm spot on the couch.
Ask for coffee to help keep you up… we wouldn’t want to miss second helpings of dessert.
Take home left-overs… a great midnight snack!

Or, try these suggestions instead and learn how to enjoy Thanksgiving!

Eat slowly, and savor the conversation around the table. Put your fork down between bites, take the time to talk to the people around you. Focus on participating in conversations and savor this time with your friends and family.
Come prepared for conversation – not food. Be curious, ask lots of questions, share family stories. If you tend to butt heads with people, work on biting your tongue and letting the triggers roll off you.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Family dynamics are tricky. Don’t expect people to change. Just smile when you notice they haven’t. It’s not personal. Sometimes people just can’t help themselves.
Move your body. Take a walk in between courses or play some football in the back yard.
Do not come to the meal starving. Make sure you eat a big breakfast with plenty of protein and fiber, and don’t be afraid to snack on veggies during the day.
Go easy on the alcohol. Limit the amount of empty sugars you take in – eat your calories, don’t drink them!
Watch your portions. Enjoy all of your favorite holiday foods, but commit to skipping second helpings. Include vegetables and leafy greens, and remember to save “breathing room”. If you feel like you’re satisfied but can “fit-in” a few more bites, that’s a sure sign it’s time to put the fork down.

Learn to eat for nutrition and enjoyment.

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