Thanksgiving 2018: How To Avoid The Misery Of Overeating

If you're like most Americans, your plan is probably the same every Thanksgiving season: Fast in the morning, or even the day before Thanksgiving, don your favorite pair of sweats of stretchy pants, and eat yourself into a food-induced coma when the big meal arrives.

It's America’s most gluttonous holiday for a reason. While some may prefer to engage in massive binge-eating others might think skipping the big meal will help them stay on the path to good health.

However, exercising a little portion control while enjoying the tastes of the Thanksgiving season will help you stay on track and let you enjoy the holiday.

Here are a few tips to help you enjoy Turkey day.

• Work out ahead of time: It will help you digest all those calories later.
• Don’t skip breakfast: Heading out the door to meet your family when you are ravenously hungry isn’t a good thing, and will only help you indulge in the unhealthy snacking ahead of the big meal, or lead overeating when the meal is served.
• Use a smaller plate: If you use a smaller plate, the portions will seem larger. Your protein portion (turkey) should be the size of a deck of cards, while your scoop of mashed potatoes or dressing should fit on a tablespoon leaving more room for fresh veggies.
• Don’t drink your calories: Alcohol packs on the pounds without you knowing it, so drink wisely.
• Drink Water: Drink water before your meal to help you feel fuller.
• Dessert is OK: You can have that slice of pie, just not a huge piece loaded with whipped cream.
• Take a walk: If you overdo it, let your meal digest and take a walk to burn some of it off. You’ll feel better.
• Limit the gravy: It tastes wonderful, but you don’t need too much
• Avoid seconds: It sounds blasphemous to say such things at Thanksgiving, but you’ll feel better later.
• Plan your leftovers: You can freeze some of those for later.

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