By now you've learned from the Thanksgivings of yesteryear that there are always leftovers. And they can be broken into two categories: good leftovers and bad leftovers. Extra bird—good. Stuffing—bad. Pie—oh so good. Sweet potatoes—not so good. Plan your meals the way you normally do, and then make a quarter less. It'll save you money and the hassle of figuring out what to do with 6 cups of cranberry sauce.
At the next social gathering, drink a glass of water for every alcoholic drink you consume. If you're out at a restaurant, you just might cut your bill in half. Plus, you save yourself empty calories (and potential overindulgent-behavior-related embarrassment) by simply keeping yourself hydrated. For many people, alcohol is a social crutch. If you feel self-conscious, ask for seltzer water with a lime, and no one will ever know the difference.
Keeping a food journal is a great tool for anyone trying to lose a few pounds, and it's even more helpful for those hearty holiday dinners. During a Thanksgiving meal, you could eat as many as 5,000 calories if you don't watch it. Keep tabs on what you're eating by writing it all down. You'll feel more accountable for what you're consuming, so you automatically will consume less. Sign into your account and visit My Daily Planner in your personalized program; it'll help you stick with your diet. If you want to know what to eat and how much, follow the MyPyramid guidelines. Your waistline will thank you.
Before any gathering, fill up on a few servings of fruits and veggies. You'll feel full (of nutritious food you chose) and be less tempted by those fat-filled hors d'oeuvres. Rather than purchasing an overpriced veggie or fruit tray, save money and cut up everything yourself. Then, get fat-free ranch dressing, hummus, or yogurt for dipping sauce.
It's hard to count calories during dinner and stick to any sort of sensible diet. But lunch is a different story. Use it to eat the perfectly balanced meal. If you're worn out from preparing last night's feast, try Healthy Choice® Fresh Mixers™. By cooking the pasta fresh and mixing it with one of six delicious, zesty sauces, Fresh Mixers is a quick solution for lunch on the go.
