Thanksgiving Feasts And Your Health: Adding It All Up---Part 2

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

23 Nov 2006 06:50 AM

In "Thanksgiving Feasts And Your Health: Adding It All Up-Part 1" I exposed the ugly numbers involved in a typical Thanksgiving meal. Not very many people are thinking about cutting back on what is traditionally known as the biggest eating day of the year, but experts warn there are risks in eating large meals. So what can we do to minimize the damage to our bodies and still enjoy our Thanksgiving Day feast?

Here are some tips:

· Eat your favorite foods and don't waste calories on foods you can eat anytime.

· Eat small meals, don't skip breakfast or lunch or you will be over-hungry and will likely gorge yourself when the turkey hits the table.

· Don't get dehydrated - most people misinterpret thirst for hunger. Drink water instead of carbonated beverages, which can make you feel bloated.

· Exercise before you pig out. Researchers found exercise done before a high fat meal stimulates fat clearing enzymes.

· Leave your "fat clothes" at home. Wearing clothes that fit is a subtle reminder not to overeat.

· Choose a smaller plate. Studies show we tend to eat whatever is placed in front of us - smaller plates result in about 50% fewer calories.

· Take one serving of the foods you enjoy and eat slowly. After 20 minutes (doctors say it takes that long for the brain to get the full signal) if you are still hungry then go back for seconds.

· Put leftovers away immediately to avoid bacterial contamination and to prevent mindless nibbling.

· Dieticians suggest you eat a handful of walnuts after the meal because they contain alpha linolenic acid, which reduces inflammation and oxidation and improves artery function when eaten after a high fat meal.

· OR simply do what I do. Eat all whatever you want and as much as you want and get outside and run, walk, swim, bike---EXERCISE those calories off the next day.

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Thanksgiving Feasts And Your Health-Adding It All Up

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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