How to Survive Thanksgiving on a Diet

How many times have you given into the “holiday excuse?” Just because it’s the start of the holiday season doesn’t mean you have to throw your diet out the window. Follow these few tips to easily survive Thanksgiving while on a diet.

This holiday is all about the food. From buttery mashed potatoes to creamy pumpkin pie, it can be difficult to fight overindulging at dinner. But it’s Turkey Day for a reason. Don’t be afraid to pile up on the turkey at dinner. An average serving of roasted turkey is about 240 calories, and it’s a great source of lean protein (if eaten without the skin).

Limit yourself to one plate, but make it count. If you fill at least half of your plate with vegetables, you will have less room to add unhealthy options. Filling up on vegetables will help control your hunger. Although, with so many options on the table, it can be tempting to go back for seconds or thirds, and before you know it you’re stuffed and wishing you wore stretchy pants. Instead, try to wait 20 minutes after finishing dinner to give your body time to digest and decide if you actually are still hungry.

However, the best way to ensure you will survive Thanksgiving with your diet intact is to avoid depriving yourself entirely of your favorite foods. It sounds a little contradictory, but having a small serving of stuffing or dessert can help you avoid feeling deprived and compensating for it in other ways. Decide on one thing to indulge on before dinner; this way you have something to look forward to and it will be easier to turn down other offers.

Limit yourself on alcohol. Everyone who has dieted knows how easily the calories can add up from drinking sugary, high-carb beverages. This is not to say that if you are over 21, you can’t have a glass of wine or beer with dinner. Just be careful not to overdo it.