WASHINGTON – Thanksgiving dinner may be the most anticipated meal of the year – but unfortunately, people can also anticipate the subsequent weight gain.
Here’s and adapted list of 11 tips from on how to avoid pounds altogether.
- Breakfast: It’s true. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Fill up on healthy calories early in the day and you’re less likely to overeat during the feast.
- Walk it off: A quick trip around the block is a great way to shed a few calories and catch up with the family away from the dinner table.
- Libations: Slow down with the alcoholic beverages, they can easily turn a big Thanksgiving meal, into a 5,000-calorie extravaganza. Try water over juice, or limit yourself to just one glass of wine.
- Snack smart: Healthy snacks, including veggies, fruit, hummus or salt- free nuts, will take the edge off pre-meal cravings and help you to eat smaller portions when the moment arrives.
- Souped up: Seasonal soups, such as butternut squash or broth-based soups, are low in fat and make a great, yet filling, starter.
- Substitutes: Try apple sauce for oil in your cake or bread recipes. You can even replace multiple ingredients with skim milk, low sodium broth, egg whites, sugar substitutes and olive oil.
- Splurge a little It’s a special occasion, so it’s OK to have a few of your favorites if you balance it out. Have some vegetables with your potatoes, but avoid dishes with fried sides or marshmallows.
- Petite plate: Grab a little plate or even shop for small plates if you host for Thanksgiving. A large canvas may tempt you.
- Put down the fork: Savor each bite, set down your fork, sip some water and have conversations. Scarfing makes you more likely to eat more, so give your body a moment to digest.
- Easy on the sweets: Try to serve a limited dessert spread. This way you’re less likely to try everything and if you do, it’s not so bad.
- Turkey Trot: Look for runs in your area to get ready for the holiday. Two suggestions are the or the .
草莓传媒’s Del Walters contributed to this report. Follow a href=”http://www.wtop.com/?sid=&nid=710″>@草莓传媒 on Twitter.
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