How to Avoid Overeating at Thanksgiving

The methods used to avoid overeating at Thanksgiving will keep you healthy throughout the year.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Running Shoes
• Journals
• Bottled Water
• Scales
• Health Club Memberships

1. Eat a decent breakfast and lunch. Don't starve yourself until the big meal arrives.

2. Exercise before the meal; this will suppress your appetite and boost your metabolism.

3. Drink two or three glasses of water before the feast begins.

4. Avoid conflict or dysfunctional family dynamics that can stress you out to the point where you take solace in food.

5. Eat 3/4 of the food on your plate and don't overload it.

6. Reduce your intake by refusing seconds.

7. Remember that you can always enjoy leftovers the next day.

8. Forgive yourself if you do overeat. One large meal is not a problem; many large meals in a row are.

9. Keep a journal of what you eat. Remember that one pound is equal to 3,500 calories.

Tips & Warnings

• A 3.5 oz. serving of roasted turkey breast has 115 calories; a 3.5 oz. piece of roasted dark meat with skin has 221 calories; a 3.5 oz. piece of roasted dark meat without skin has 187 calories.
• A piece of apple pie (an 1/8 of the pie) has 347 calories; a piece of blueberry pie (an 1/8 of the pie) has 387 calories; a piece of cherry pie (an 1/8 of the pie) has 418 calories.
• A 1/2 cup of mashed potatoes has 111 calories.
• A 1/2 cup of bread stuffing has 198 calories; a 1/2 cup of cornbread stuffing has 175 calories.
• A 3-oz. serving of meat, poultry or fish is about the size of a deck of playing cards. A single ounce of meat, poultry or fish is about the size of a matchbox. One cup of fruit or yogurt is about the size of a baseball. Half a cup vegetables, pasta, rice or fruit is about the size of half a baseball or tennis ball. One medium potato is about the size of a computer mouse. One cup chopped fresh leafy greens is about the size of four lettuce leaves.

[GilinAtlanta]

on 2/28/2009 One author had a great idea. He suggested that whatever you make your first serving, cut it in half and put it on another plate - to share with someone else or for leftovers. I would add that you remember what your goal is regarding weight control and fitness - even to the point of "talking to yourself" with positive affirmations.

[JulieE]

on 11/23/2008 Eating only 3/4 of your food is a terrible idea. That food could be put away for leftovers later. Plus, you're sure to get the wrath of Aunt Edna who thinks you're too skinny or those people who try to convince you that it's okay to overeat. You all know what I'm talking about. Every family has one. Take less, spread it out on your plate so your plate looks fuller, eat slow (it takes your body 20 minutes to realize it's full) and if you're still hungry, go back for seconds. Don't let people force you to eat things you don't want either.

[fatintothefire]

on 11/22/2008 Forget the idea of 'seconds'. You've got one shot to fill your plate...and do so wisely. Small portions of the foods you like (including the veggies) while avoiding obvious bad choices. If you are trying to lose weight stick with the white meat turkey instead of ham or dark meat, skip the gravy, and forget the high fat desserts...it's Thanksgiving so stick with the pumpkin pie and skip the crust.

Also...don't let extra food on the table fool you as part of the meal when they are really desserts. You can skip the green and red jello salad with cream cheese, you don't need the sweet rolls with butter and jelly, and definitely skip the fruit punch.

[favefive]

on 11/20/2007 Excellent suggestions.

[chelbelle77]

on 11/19/2007 And don't forget to stop when you're full. Simple but easily forgotten.