It’s the holiday all about eating, but that doesn’t mean you have to get stuffed like a turkey to enjoy it. 

Every year. Thanksgiving happens every year. The food. The company. The traditions. Holidays are fun! And no one wants to think about dieting. I don’t want you to either. Here are some tips to make sure you don’t end up stuffed like a turkey, but still enjoy the holiday.

Listen to your body

When your body says I’m full. Stop eating. Simple? Yes. Easy? Not always. But it is essential for you to not gain weight and for you to feel your best.

Just a taste

Eyes can be deceiving. When you look at the plethora of options on the Thanksgiving table, believe me, your eyes are bigger than your stomach. Just take a small spoonful of each tasty looking option. This allows you to taste everything, but not overindulge. If there was something that was to die for, you can get seconds of that one thing. 

Save room for dessert

I know you associate so many memories with that pumpkin pie. Don’t overeat during Thanksgiving meal, and then try to eat dessert too. If you know you really want that pumpkin pie, save room for dessert so your body doesn’t tell you its full before you get to dessert. Better yet, eat dessert 3-4 hours after dinner. That’s what usually works best for me! 

Missing Out

Change the mentality now. If you don’t eat ______, it won’t be Thanksgiving. Did you know that you can buy canned pumpkin and stuffing all year. Really. It’s a crazy thought! Everything you eat on Thanksgiving can be made all year long. There is not one food that is only available on Thanksgiving day. Once you change your mindset that you won’t miss out on anything for a whole year, because you can simply make it any day, it becomes easier to resist becoming stuffed like a turkey. 

Exercise

What?!? I know. But make it a new, fun family tradition. Have a turkey trot race around the block. Play football in the backyard with the kids. Have a turkey dance off. So many fun ideas to get you moving and making memories. Isn’t that what the holidays are for  – making memories with the ones you love.

Let’s make this year different. This is the year that you are not going to gain five pounds over the holidays. This is the year you will enjoy Thanksgiving without getting stuffed like a turkey. This is the year, you will include the foods you love, without overindulging. 

Feel like you need some extra motivation and accountability around the holidays? Check out my nutrition coaching! It is the perfect way to stay on track with your health goals through the holidays. 

Share with me! What is your favorite Thanksgiving food?