Happy Thanksgiving

It's that time of year to kick start the holiday season with the feast of the table.  We all know that it can often be a high calorie, high fat, high sugar and maybe even a high alcohol kind of day.  Of course there are many ways to lighten up everything from stuffing to pie.   However, how often do people really do this?  How often do people alter their typical family favorites?  It's a holiday grounded in tradition after all.

This year, what I am recommending is that we focus on behavior change more than the SmartPoints and calories in the foods we eat.  That starts with correct portions.  On Thanksgiving, like all days, we still need to know what a "right size" portion is.  Half cups of starchy side dishes are considered one serving.  That includes stuffing, corn pudding, sweet potato casserole, mashed potatoes, cole slaw.  One dinner roll is one serving.  One quarter cup of cranberry sauce is one serving.  Turkey itself, a lean protein, is not the problem with Thanksgiving foods.  Three ounces of turkey is considered one serving.  One slice of pie is one serving.

With the smells and family memories, the sights of foods we see only once a year, it can be challenging to stay focused.   The healthy habits we have worked so hard to develop throughout the year can help.  Eating a light breakfast and lunch makes sense.  Getting some exercise early in the day establishes a great start and may even create a new tradition.  If TV is involved, it would be helpful to have healthier snack options like fruit, vegetables, light soup or popcorn around.  After all, a big meal is coming up, and we don't need to fill up on foods that are ordinary compared to what delectable foods are yet to come.

Shifting our thinking is important.  This will not be our last Thanksgiving meal so we don't need to behave like it.  We can enjoy all of our favorites without overdoing it.  We have to stay mindful. We already know we will be having treats this Thursday that we don't normally eat.  We are anticipating how wonderful it will be.  We are thinking of the traditions, the smells, the warm kitchen and the fabulous table.  Let's also be thinking of how we will stay in control.  How will we know that we are absolutely finished eating that day (i.e. brush teeth)?  How will we slow down the eating at the table?  How will we focus on family, friends, conversation or activity to stay in control?  How do we want to feel when Thanksgiving is over?  What will we have for breakfast on Friday?

We have a lot to be grateful for...health, happiness, family, friends, pets, gainful employment, our bodies and minds.  If we shift our thinking in our mind, then our bodies will reward us.  We will be satisfied and even pleasantly full.  We will feel accomplished and contented instead of sorry and sluggish.

I'm sending all of you my best wishes for a great Thanksgiving.   Enjoy everything you do, every bite you take, every moment to remember.  And then keep moving.