Do you stuff your face with as much food as possible on Thanksgiving Day? If yes, you are not alone, but all that eating can put a lot of stress on the digestive system, in addition to other systems and organs in the body. Thanksgiving food is typically high in fats (more saturated than not), dairy products, sugar, salt, and packaged products. Fortunately for you, there are thoughtful Thanksgiving portion control tips that allow you to savor the dishes you want without overindulging.
Why Does Portion Control Matter?
Sure, most people let themselves succumb to every temptation at the Thanksgiving feast. High-calorie dishes like mashed potatoes, buttery stuffing, dense pumpkin and pecan pies, oily ham, and so much more fill the table. It is perfectly fine to indulge in your favorite dishes, but excessive overeating can lead to bloating, stomach discomfort, and overall setbacks to your health goals. By practicing portion control, you can enjoy the holidays and family without derailing your health.
Begin The Day With A Balanced Breakfast
That’s right, folks, portion control begins before any of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes are even made. Start the day on the right track by making a balanced breakfast. Opt for a fruit and vegetable smoothie, chia pudding, overnight oats, or plain Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and almond butter.
Examine The Spread Before Grabbing A Plate
Before you grab a plate and begin your mission of eating, go over to the spread and give it a good scan. Identify your “must-have” dishes and locate the ones you can live without. That strategy will help you focus on enjoying your favorite dishes without eating unnecessary calories from dishes you are iffy about.
Use A Small Plate
According to dietary research, using a smaller plate can help you naturally eat less while still feeling satiated. By using a smaller plate, you force yourself to be more mindful about your portions and food choices. It also reduces the temptation to overfill the plate. It just takes a little more effort on your part to avoid returning to the buffet table over and over again.
Employ “The Plate” Method
This method involves some simple calculations on your part when filling your plate. Keep half of your plate available for vegetables (not including potatoes), a quarter for starches or grains, and a quarter for lean protein. Filling your plate in this way ensures that you will enjoy a balanced meal with plenty of nutrients that support portion control.
Practice Portion Awareness
Are there spoonfuls of dishes on Thanksgiving, or is everything served in piles? It is very easy to underestimate portion sizes, especially with rich Thanksgiving classics. One serving of turkey should be as big as a deck of cards. A serve of mashed potatoes should look like a half-cup measuring cup.
Stay Hydrated
Water is a necessary part of life, but it is especially helpful on Thanksgiving Day. The reason to ensure proper hydration is to help you feel fuller and prevent overeating. Additionally, sufficient water intake helps optimize digestive function. Before you go back to the buffet for a second helping, drink a full glass of water.
Choose Your Favorite Dessert
Most Thanksgiving desserts are often irresistible, but that doesn’t mean you have to sample them all. You probably know what most desserts taste like, so choose your favorite dessert and savor every bite. Either that or consider choosing two desserts in moderation. Maybe a relative or friend wants to split a dessert and that’ll work in your favor!
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
