Enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner....with no guilt!

Thanksgiving is a time we all pretend we haven't eaten in weeks and most people feel uncomfortably full after we are done!   You can still enjoy all your favorites without the guilt and without adding a few pounds.

• Drink plenty of calorie-free drinks such as water, sugar-free drinks or unsweetened tea.  This will help fill you up so you do not overeat.

• Eat breakfast and lunch: coming to dinner hungry will cause you to eat fast and overeat. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to recognize that you are full! 

• Watch portion sizes: enjoy your favorite foods but take smaller portions.  Try to fill 1/2 the plate with veggies, 1/4 with white turkey meat without the skin and 1/4 with starches such as potatoes or stuffing. 

• Stick to one serving: if you still feel hungry, wait 10 minutes and then go back for seconds or skip seconds and save the calories for dessert instead.

• Take a walk: Don't run a marathon but weather permitting take a short walk after dinner to help you feel less stuffed (and guilty).

More to come on calorie-saving tips if you are hosting Thanksgiving!