10 Tips to Enjoy Thanksgiving if You Struggle With Food
It’s that time of the year again! The holidays are here!! I know from experience this can be a tough time of year to navigate if you’re trying to lose weight or if you struggle with food in any way. Here are some tips and tricks I like to use to get me through Thanksgiving without some of the extra worries around food:
Treat Thanksgiving like a normal meal. Eat healthy meals and snacks regularly throughout the day and remember you can make turkey or mashed potatoes or pumpkin pie any other day of the year, too!
Sip on water with lemon, seltzer water, or chew gum to avoid eating just to eat.
Keep your hands busy. Carry a clutch, hold a cup of tea, or pack a card game to play with other guests so you’re not tempted to nibble just to pass time.
Just say “no.” This can be hard when family members and friends make their favorite dish and want you to try it. But if you don’t want it or are already full, say no and stand your ground!
Make a healthy side dish you love and bring it with you to the party. That way, you know you’ll enjoy at least one thing on the menu.
If you’re hosting, plan an activity for after the meal. One year, my family played laser tag after Thanksgiving dinner. We piled into cars, played laser tag for a couple of hours, then came back to have dessert. It was so fun and allowed us time to digest our food before digging into the pies. Backyard football, frisbee, Twister, or even a board or card game are all good ideas.
Size up your options before piling food on your plate. Take a look at everything that’s available so you can decide what you really want to eat.
Take small portions so you can try everything you want to try. Even when it comes to dessert, don’t be afraid to take half a cookie or half a slice of pie!
Enjoy every bite. Take in the yummy smells, chew your food thoroughly, and enjoy the textures and flavors in every bite. Mindful eating will help increase satisfaction, decrease guilt, and creates a better eating experience, overall!
Socialize! Go to another room away from the food and chat. Don’t particularly like talking to anyone in your family? Ask to bring a friend!
There you have it! My top 10 tips to actually enjoy your Thanksgiving this year, even if it’s normally stressful. I’d love to hear which tips and tricks you use to get you through the holidays! Leave your comments below!