Thanksgiving Nutrition Tips & Myths
November 23, 2015True or False . . . Test Your Thanksgiving Nutrition Knowledge
1. Skipping Breakfast the morning of will cut calories
… False. Skipping meals before a bountiful feast is never a good idea if you are watching your calories. Consume a breakfast full of protein and fat to avoid excessive overeating on T-day.
2. Canned Pumpkin Isn’t Healthy
… False. When buying canned pumpkin puree, pumpkin should be the first and only ingredient. That way you’ll get the health benefit without the hassle.
3. Turkey Makes you tired
… It’s not the turkey’s fault! It’s the excessive calorie intake that causes your body extra work digesting and breaking down the foods you just ate. Probably the wine, too!
4. Potatoes are your enemy
… False! It’s what you add to them and the portion size. Tip: leave the skins on to boost the fiber and nutrients in your mash this year. Just be aware you might not be making the so-called ‘healthier’ choice if you’re picking the Sweet Potatoes.
5. Skip the stuff you don’t LOVE
… This is absolutely my favorite nutrition recommendation ever. We should eat what we enjoy! Be picky on Thanksgiving and only give space on your plate to the foods you love.
6. Try enjoying the company over the food
… It is about being thankful for our lives, family, health and friend isn’t it? Once you avoid total focus on the food and more on the company your appetite changes.
7. A 10 minute walk does nothing
…. False! Something is better than nothing. Especially on Thanksgiving, enjoying a short walk as a family will help burn some calories and also help with digestion.
8. Your Diet’s Ruined
…. False! It’s never too late to make a healthy choice, avoiding the all or none phenomenon will help you get back on track the next day. Enjoy your day off!
9. Blame the Left Overs
… One day of overeating won’t pack on too much that you can’t burn off, but leftovers on leftovers will. Send them home with guests, donate them to homeless shelters, freeze them or toss them if you think you’ll have trouble turning them down in the days after T-day.
Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!
