Thanksgiving is a time for celebration. It’s a time for giving thanks for your family, friends, success, and good health. But, if you’re not careful, your celebrating can leave you feeling like the stuffed turkey on the table!  Here are four easy tips for enjoying a delicious holiday dinner while saving calories, pounds and avoiding weight gain: 

AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE POUNDS AWAY

Apples are full of fiber so they are very filling. They’re also full of water which can help increase your metabolism and curb your appetite. Eat an apple 15 – 20 minutes before your party or Thanksgiving dinner and you can save hundreds of calories! 

DITCH THE GRAVY

Choosing cranberry sauce for your turkey instead of gravy will save calories while adding flavor and some amazing health benefits. Recent scientific research shows that cranberries contain significant amounts of antioxidants and other phytonutrients that may help protect against heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. A quarter cup of cranberry sauce only has 100 calories and 1 gram of fat.     

BE HANDS-ON

One of the easiest ways to control calories during Thanksgiving is to avoid overeating. An easy way to measure portion sizes is to use your own hands! The palm of your hand is about 3 – 4 oz (a good serving for your turkey), your two thumbs together is equal to one tablespoon (perfect for high-calorie dressings or dips), 2 hands cupped together is equal to 1 cup (use for salads), while one hand is 1/2 cup (great for those sides).  

SLOW AND STEADY

Remember why you’re having this meal of celebration in the first place and really take the time to savor each and every bite. Make a game of it by trying to be the person to finish each course last. Finally, try and wait 20 minutes between each course. This is the length of time it takes for the brain to get the confirmation from your stomach that you are no longer hungry.  This will help save calories, fat, and a tummy ache later!  

If you just couldn’t help yourself and you end up more stuffed than the turkey, don’t fret. We’ve all been there! Overeating one day out of the year won’t cause significant weight gain. However, it can start you down a slippery slope. Get your healthy eating back on track right away. An easy way to do this is to avoid the leftovers. No need to make the same mistake twice! Following up your day of celebrating with a healthy cleansing program is also beneficial for getting you back on a healthy track and jumpstarting a healthier lifestyle. 

Happy Thanksgiving!