Don’t Be A Turkey

I am looking forward to having both of our families together (and a few strays I’m sure) for Thanksgiving Day ….should be interesting trying to fit  15 bodies and 5 dogs in our living room! I know the in-laws are excited about having me cook…..nothing like having a  personal trainer cook your meals….good times good times. …the fun never ends. Lucky for them (all 100% Irish) Shannon is in charge of the wine selection:)

Not to scare anyone (ok maybe a little fear is ok) , but Americans eat on average 200 calories more per day than we did in 1970.  Even if you eat the correct portions of the Thanksgiving staples — turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, gravy, a vegetable, two rolls, a glass of wine and a dessert.  According to the American Dietetic Association, that is still nearly 1,500 calories — almost enough for a typical woman for a day.  Keep in mind, it  takes only an extra 10 calories a day for a person to gain a pound of fat a year.

Scared yet?!  What CAN we do on Thanksgiving Day (to help avoid that gradual gain)?

Here are a few tips that may help:

  • Eat in MODERATION and set reasonable expectations. Not easy, but what is??
  • Start by NOT starving yourself the rest of the day.
  • In fact, eat a healthy snack — such as vegetables with lowfat dip — before the meal so you eat less of the heftier items.
  • Try eating a little of everything (maybe skip the crackers and cheez whiz), but that means just a few bites.
  • Fill up on salad and vegetables before heading for the stuffing and candied sweet potatoes (Don’t fret, family there will not be any marshmallow items at our Thanksgiving feast!).
  • Check in with yourself- if you are still hungry, hit the vegetables again after the turkey to reduce the amount of dessert you eat.
  • Visualize your stomach; it’s about the size of two fists. If the food on your plate won’t fit, cut back.

For those of you that are cooking this year, check out this article from the New York Times.  It reminds us hosts to remain calm and remember that most people are grateful that we are hosting. And that Thanksgiving Dinner does not have to be perfect to be enjoyed.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/22/weekinreview/22bittman.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=thanksgiving&st=cse

And last but not least if you have not signed up for the Seattle Turkey Trot 5k, DO IT!  It starts at 9am and benefits the Ballard Food Bank. For those of you that would like to meet beforehand a group of us are meeting in front of Caffe Fiore 3125 NW 85th ST.   Here is to a relaxing, healthy and fun Thanksgiving!  Chris


3 Comments

  1. Thanks for the recipe Elsie! Chris

  2. Shiela, sorry for the delay…..just learning the blog ropes! I am glad that you are enjoying the blog:) Thanks, Chris

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