Thanksgiving is a great time to enjoy friends, family, and seasonal foods. But for some people, this combination makes it difficult to maintain healthy eating habits. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your Thanksgiving Day meal and still stay on track with a healthy diet.
- Fill half your plate with colorful fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories but contain fiber to help keep you feeling full.
- Practice portion control. A portion of turkey is three ounces, which is about the size of a deck of cards. Removing the skin will help reduce the amount of saturated fat and calories.
- Try a whole grain stuffing or side dish like this barley pilaf.
- Choose drinks with no sugar added such as water or seltzer.
- Be particular with desserts. Choose just one dessert and have a small serving of it.
- Once the meal is over, place leftovers in the refrigerator. You’ll be less tempted to go back for extra servings and you’ll also prevent harmful bacteria from growing in the food.
Written by Adriene Worthington, RD, LDN