How To Save Calories During Thanksgiving

Southern cuisine is one of the most notable and praise worthy aspects of our region. Visitors flock from all corners of the country to indulge in the spices and comfort of a southern meal that leaves your stomach and soul fulfilled. With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, we are all skimming pages of Southern Living, scrolling anxiously through Pinterest, and perusing Paula Deen’s website. We know you follow her recipes for dishes that our friends and family will simply gush over for days.

Although Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for full plates, healthy portions, and butter, this can completely crash the diet and exercise plan you have slaved for all year. We are so tempted to make excuses for ourselves and repeat, “I’ll start new in January.” I’ll just have a few pieces of pie.” “I’ve worked hard and this is my reward.” It might be difficult to resist over indulgence this thanksgiving, but don’t disappoint yourself or your trainer! Remember these 10 simple tips for enjoying your holiday, without destroying your fitness and nutrition efforts.

 

• If you plan on treating yourself later, start your day with a small meal that includes whole grains, fruit, and protein. This could be something simple such as eggs, oatmeal, and fruit.

 

• Don’t arrive to the meal on an empty stomach! Before leaving home eat a light snack like raw vegetables, almonds, or a piece of fruit to curb your appetite. You will be less tempted to over-indulge when you see all of the scrumptious options.

 

• Choose carefully between foods you definitely will eat, those you will sample, and those you will skip. Avoid filling your plate to the brim.

 

• Don’t cut out the star of the show, but enjoy delicious, roasted turkey breast without the skin. By not eating the skin you will save 11 grams of saturated fat per 3 oz. serving. If you must have the skin, reach for the lighter pieces of turkey meat, as they have fewer calories and less fat than the darker ones.

 

• Watch your portion sizes! A serving size of meat is 3 oz., about the size of a deck of cards. Try choosing smaller plates, bowls, and cups when eating.

 

• Gravy can add extra fat, calories, and sodium. Limit gravy to a tablespoon. This year refrigerate the gravy to harden fat then skim the fat off. This will save a whopping 55 gm of fat per cup.

 

• For your desserts consider making all of your pies without the crust. Substitute two egg whites for each whole egg in baked recipes. Replace heavy cream with evaporated skim milk in cheesecakes and cream pies. Top cakes with a sprinkle of powdered sugar instead of fattening frosting.

 

• For the dishes you need to bake;
  Instead of butter, substitute equal parts cinnamon-flavored, no sugar added applesauce.
  Substitute low-fat or skim milk instead of whole or heavy cream.
  Instead of adding chocolate chips or candies, use dried fruit, like cranberries or cherries.

 

• For the dishes your cooking on the stove;
  Use olive oil instead of butter.
  Use whole-grain breads and pastas instead of white.
  Bake, grill or steam vegetables instead of frying.

 

• When it comes to drinking alcohol, start with a calorie-free,  nonalcoholic beverage. Satisfy your thirst before having an alcoholic drink. Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks for men.