How to Eat Right On Thanksgiving

It’s no secret that the holidays have a lot to do with food. In fact, holidays like Thanksgiving pretty much revolve around food once the thanks is given. The average person only gains around a pound over the holiday season, but most of them also don’t lose it later, so over time that can add up. But that isn’t something to worry about if you just don’t gain it to be begin with. Here are some tips about how to eat right over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Choose White Meat

Overall turkey is an excellent health food…anytime of year. Just make sure to go with white meat over dark meat to keep it light. White meat will save you 50 calories and four grams of fat for every three ounces when compared to dark meat. Three ounces of white meat will only set you back 115 calories and it’s a great source of protein to fill you up so that you will have left room for dessert.

Select Your Carbs Ahead of Time

If you don’t decide which carbs to eat at Thanksgiving dinner you might end up snacking on crackers, starting with a dinner roll, and loading up on stuffing. Instead of giving into the temptations, maybe try choosing one that means the most to you. If you absolutely love stuffing and can’t imagine celebrating without it, then have a serving of it, but just skip the roll to start. If you can take it leave it on the other hand, maybe the roll is the perfect choice.

Opt For the Gravy

This might come as a surprise, but topping your turkey with gravy is going to be a slimmer option than topping it with jellied cranberries from the can. Gravy only has about 30 calories in 1/4 of a cup, while those cranberries are pumped full of sugar and come in at 110 calories per 1/4 cup. If however there are freshly made cranberries, those tend to be a little lighter than the canned variety.

Fill Up On Fresh Veggies

When you have the option, always go for the fresher vegetables over the casseroles which of course have cream and other stuff added to them. If you’re unsure about what is being served at the dinner that you’re going to, you can always steam up a dish of mixed vegetables and bring them yourself. Surely someone else will be in the same boat and appreciate the gesture. If not, it’s just something else to add on for the leftovers.

Choose One Dessert

You don’t have to skip dessert completely on the holiday, but choose one option and stick to one serving. Do not for example, eat chocolates for appetizers and test out three different pie options for dessert. When it comes down to pie options, pumpkin will generally be a leaner option than apple, coming in at around 316 calories per slice. Apple pies tend to be heavier thanks to their double crust and ice cream topping. Whatever you do, make sure you enjoy whatever it is that you’re eating.