Thanksgiving Part 2

The average person consumes over 4,500 calories in a Thanksgiving meal! That is over one pound and not to mention the other snacks/meals eaten prior to the big dinner. Some people may think a one pound weight gain isn't that bad but when you do this year after year, you'll be 20 lbs heavier in 20 years just from one day! Thanksgiving should be about spending time with loved ones and being thankful for our blessings and not be so centered around eating. Here are some great tips to making the holiday not so food oriented. Here are some smarter choices and tips for staying in your pants this season.

1. Eat small healthy snacks throughout the day so you won't be starving by dinner time.

2. Create new family traditions like going for walks, playing touch football, etc so that you are active instead of sitting around and eating all day.

3. Workout that morning! Nothing boots your mood and metabolism like a good workout. Sign up for a local "turkey trot" or pop in a favorite workout video to do at home.

4. After dinner have fun playing board games instead of sitting around the food.

5. On any other day you eat only one plate and are done eating; why break that rule?! Eat a portion controlled plate and put your dish in the sink! Just say "no" to seconds.

6. Use skim milk and broth for mashed potatoes to reduce fat content. Replace 1/2 the potatoes w/ cauliflower for an even lower calories dish (No one will notice I promise!) Also adds more nutrients.

7. If you must have the green bean casserole; sub the light mushroom soup, and use slivered almonds for the crunchy topping instead of the deep fried onions.

8. Use my pumpkin pie recipe to save 178 calories per slice!

9. Use butter spray (5 cal per 10 sprays) instead of butter (80 cal per tbs).

 8.  Don't make so much food that you are loaded with leftovers. Make just enough or send food home with guests. And don't feel guilty for throwing it out!