Thanksgiving TRUE or FALSE!
"To prepare for the big meal, I should eat as little as possible earlier in the day and save ALL my calories for dinner." FALSE! This is actually a terrible idea. Eat a substantial but sensible breakfast and a light meal several hours before the Big One. Otherwise, you'll likely be SUPER-HUNGRY and make bad food decisions during your holiday meal. Not to mention, you'll probably be cranky.
"I should drink a lot of water throughout the day, especially right before the meal." TRUE! A glass or two of water before the meal will take the edge off your hunger and help you recognize fullness faster. Plus, drinking a lot of water is pretty good advice for ANY day of the year.
"At dinner, I should ONLY eat steamed veggies, salad, and lean turkey breast -- that's all." FALSE! Well, you could do that if you want to be miserable and torture yourself, but we're not into self-deprivation. You can STILL celebrate and enjoy the meal without going overboard. So sure, bulk up on the lighter stuff (salad, broth-based soup, white-meat turkey, non-creamy veggies, etc.), but also allow yourself to take a few bites of your favorites. Just be smart and keep it moderate. And maybe add some exercise to your day of festivities!
"I can have dessert without feeling guilty as long as I don't overdo it."
TRUE! If you fill up on protein and veggies at dinner, you shouldn't be too hungry by the time dessert rolls around. So grab a small sweet treat and pair it with some flavored tea or coffee -- maybe contribute some dessert-flavored coffee or holiday-themed tea to the feast. (
Celestial Seasonings Sugar Cookie Sleigh Ride and
Gingerbread Spice are GREAT.) And as for the stuff you chew, choose wisely. If you
know that a sliver of your cousin Kim's three-layer caramel cheesecake always leads to four and a half slices, pass up that trigger food for something you can enjoy without going into a sugar-coma.
