11/27/2025
Thanksgiving does not have to sabotage your weight! With a little know-how, you can satisfy your desire for traditional favorites and still enjoy a guilt-free Thanksgiving feast. 🍗🦃
9 Tips for Managing Thanksgiving
1. Get Active 🏋️♀️🏃♀️
Create a calorie deficit by exercising before you indulge in your favorite foods. Eat less and exercise more is the winning formula to prevent weight gain during the holidays!
2. Eat Breakfast 🥚🥓
While you might think it makes sense to save up calories for the big meal, eating a small meal in the morning can give you more control over your appetite. Start your day with a small but satisfying breakfast so you won’t be starving when you arrive at the gathering.
3. Lighten Up 🧈🧂
There is more sugar and fat in most recipes than is needed, and no one will notice the difference if you skim a few calories! Try using fat-free or low sodium broths. Decrease sugar in recipes by 25% and consider substituting plain yogurt or fat-free sour cream in dips, mashed potatoes, and casseroles.
4. Police Your Portions 🍽️ 🚨
Don’t waste your calories on foods that you can have all year long! Fill your plate with small portions of holiday favorites that only come around once a year. Survey the buffet table and decide what you’re going to choose. Then select reasonably-sized portions of foods you cannot live without.
5. Skip the Seconds ❌❌
Try to resist the temptation to go back for second helpings. Leftovers are much better the next day, and if you limit yourself to one plate, you are less likely to overeat, leaving more room for a delectable holiday dessert!
6. Slowly Savor ⏳😋
Eating slowly, putting your fork down between bites, and tasting each mouthful is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your meal and feel satisfied with just one plate full of food.
7. Go Easy on Alcohol 🍻🥂
Don’t forget those alcohol calories that can add up quickly! Have a single glass of wine or beer, and between alcoholic drinks, enjoy calorie free drinks like water. This way you stay hydrated, limit alcohol calories, and stay sober.
8. Be Realistic 🤔🧠
The holiday season is a time for celebration! This is a good time to strive for weight maintenance instead of weight loss.
9. Focus on Family and Friends ❤️❤️
Thanksgiving is not just about the delicious bounty of food. It’s a time to celebrate relationships with family and friends! The main event should be socializing and spending quality time together, not just the food that is on the table.