Excited about eating your favorite holiday dishes? Worried about holiday pounds creeping up on you with decadent dishes all around? DON’T BE! The holiday season should be enjoyed, not short-changed. Making it through with enjoyment and satisfication is about paying attention! You have waited all year long to indulge in some of your favorite dishes. Don’t add guilt to the ingredient list and ruin the experience before it even hits your plate! Don’t substitute fat-free milk for heavy cream, apple sauce for oil, or a disguisting prepackaged, fiber-laden brownie for the the delicious chocolate torte. Make and eat the REAL thing! I doubt it’s the the lightened-up version you’ve been thinking about anyway. Make it how you’ve always had it – just be mindful of a few things…
- Moderation is KEY: Eat what you want. THE REAL THING! Just be mindful of how much you are taking in. Eat slowly to a point of satisfaction versus uncomfortably full. (As Leslie’s Motto says Eat Real Food, Feel Real Good)
I'm making this Turkey Recipe
- Have a Moment: You may allow that favorite dish but not really experience it. If you’re adding guilt to the plate or not paying attention, you’ll miss the savor. If you don’t savor and pay attention, you may need a second helping. So, when eating your holiday dessert or side, have a moment to enjoy it (it’s ok to block everyone out–I do)! If you’re full after the meal, wait on dessert for a snack later or take it with you.
- Stay Active: Exercising gives your metabolism a boost, may help with hunger cues, and can make you feel more energized! It does not have to be a long work-out, just fit it in where you can.
- Don’t Overlook Hydration: Colder weather can be tricky. You may not feel thirsty, but that does not mean that you are not. Staying well-hydrated can keep your hunger cues in check and may help prevent you from over-indulging. Staying well-hydrated maeans carrying water with you at all times.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We’d love to know your favorite holiday dish that you plan to enjoy just the way it was meant to be–with REAL ingredients. Leslie’s favorite is dressing made with sausage, butter, herbs and bread cubes–it’s screams Thanksgiving!
Special thanks to Heather Johnson, a University of Memphis graduate student & dietetic intern for this post!
