Thanksgiving Plate Makeovers

Perhaps you’re staying out of the kitchen this year—but still want to control the foods you’re eating. Here are a few tips to help you eat right when you’re a guest at Thanksgiving dinner:

• Use MyPlate as a guide. Fill your festive plate with one half vegetables (salad, green beans, Brussels sprouts), one quarter with lean meat or another protein, and one quarter with starchy sides (stuffing, sweet potatoes). You'll fill up on lower calorie vegetables and still enjoy the more indulgent dishes.
• Don’t go hungry. It’s tempting to skip breakfast and lunch before a big Thanksgiving dinner, but doing so can set you up for failure. Instead, eat small meals throughout the day that include the satisfying combo of fiber and protein so you don’t arrive ravenous.
• Watch the wine. Alcohol lowers your inhibitions and can make you more likely to eat differently than you’d planned—the calories in a few cocktails, glasses of wine, or beers can also add up quickly. If you choose to drink, stick with one glass over the course of your meal so you stay in charge.

Reviewed by Elaine Brown, MD on October 27, 2013

Sources

https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/NU00202

https://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/

https://kidshealth.org/teen/expert/nutrition/binge_breakfast.html