Things You'll Need:
- "Lighter" food substitutions
- Modified recipes
- Willpower
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Step 1
Make lighter dishes. Whenever possible, "lighten" your dishes so they have fewer calories and fat. This means using less fat than a recipe might call for, or making small substitutions (such as 2% milk instead of whole milk in your mashed potatoes).
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Step 2
Try healthier recipes. Instead of sweet potato casserole that's buried in butter and marshmallows, try baked yams or sweet potatoes sweetened with dried cranberries. They're healthy, low-calorie and tasty, too!
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Step 3
Pick white meat. As a general rule, the white meat of the turkey tends to have less fat than the dark meat. If you're worried about weight gain, it's probably best to opt for the lighter meat.
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Step 4
Take it easy on the gravy. Gravy is loaded with fat and calories! Pour a bit on your plate if you must, but try not to drown your food in this high-calorie sauce.
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Step 5
Watch your portions. Try not to overload your plate. This will also help you avoid that overstuffed feeling at the end of the meal. Try to arrange your plate so that your foods are not touching each other. This helps prevent you from piling up the portions.
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Step 6
Eat slowly. There's no need to shovel in the food as if it's your last meal on earth! Instead, eat slowly and savor the flavor. Concentrate on the company of your loved ones during this holiday instead of the food on the table.
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Step 7
Wait fifteen minutes before taking second helpings. It takes about twenty minutes for the stomach to signal to the brain that it's satisfied. Wait fifteen minutes before taking a second helping, and you may find out that you don't want it after all.
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Step 8
Send home the leftovers. Leave yourself a small plate or some turkey sandwich fixings. But send away the rest of the leftovers with your dinner guests so you won't be tempted to nibble on them for the next few days.
