Living Healthy in Arizona: Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving

During the holidays, it's easy to gobble up those calories. Temptations of your favorite pie topped with whipped cream, and mashed potatoes loaded with sour cream, cheese and butter, make it almost impossible to be disciplined. But having a healthy Thanksgiving doesn't mean forgoing all your family favorites and sticking to raw vegetables. The trick is to keep your eating in check. Have a piece of that pie, but don't lose control of the situation. Here's a few tips to help you do this:

1. Drink lots of water before and after eating.

If you think you are starving, try downing a glass of water. Many people often think they are really hungry, when in fact, they are just dehydrated and thirsty. By drinking lots of water throughout Thanksgiving Day, you'll lower your risk of overeating simply because you will feel fuller and more satisfied.

2. Be active after eating.

This doesn't mean that after your Thanksgiving meal that you should run a marathon. Just a quick walk around the block or throwing the football around with your family with help you accomplish this. Staying active after a meal helps your metabolism to keep going instead of turning off when you lie on the couch after a big meal. It also gets you away from the table and the urge to keep munching on all the leftovers, even though you are already full.

3. Avoid mindless munching.

Make mental promise to yourself that once you've filled your plate up with food, you won't keep going back for just a "little bit more." When you continuously snack throughout the day, it's easy to lose track of what you've eaten and how much you've consumed.

4. Substitute ingredients.

Try chicken broth instead of butter. Instead of cranberry sauce, opt for a cranberry salad. Swap fried onions for toasted almonds. For dips, try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you are baking pies, make a whole wheat crust and use low-fat dairy products. Take a look at your classic menu and get creative. You'd be surprised how many substitutes you could do to many traditional Thanksgiving dishes. 

5. Eat before the party.

This doesn't mean "eat a whole meal" before you arrive, just don't starve yourself during the early hours of Thanksgiving Day. "Saving room" is just translation for "over eating" later because when we are over-hungry, we over eat. 

6. Stick to healthy portions.

Fill your plate with those low calorie foods that make you feel full and energized, not tired and bloated. The more colorful your plate, the better. If you are going to eat dessert, make sure you don't put those calories elsewhere.

Above all, enjoy the day and the time with your family. Smart eating and just a little mental preparation will make the day guilt-free and memorable. If you have any questions about weight loss, maintaining weight loss, and medical weight loss programs, feel free to contact transformyou at anytime. 

transformyou was established on the belief that everyone has a right to look and feel their best. Dr. Bird and his staff treat patients while educating them on their options, all the while providing the resources needed to see success in medical weight loss az, az pain management, phoenix hormone therapy, arizona testosterone replacement, az alternative medicines, hcg diet tempe az, arizona weight loss, az food allergy testing, az personal training, estrogen replacement therapy, or improving general health, mood or lifestyle. Dr. Bird is a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor and a member of the American Academy of Pain Management. He has medical training in manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) and in Prolotherapy from the Hackett Hemwall Foundation. Read more about Dr. Bird and the services provided at transformyou here.