Avoid Dieting On Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Day! This is one of my favorite holidays because of the 3 Fs: Family, Football, and Food. Given the great tasting foods available, there is nothing more frustrating than attempting to diet on such a festive day.

However, gaining excessive weight during this time can be equally frustrating. According to the Calorie Control Council, the average American consumes over 4500 calories and 229 grams of fat during Thanksgiving dinner. As a reference point, a pound of fat is approximately 3500 calories. No wonder we feel more stuffed than the turkey following Thanksgiving.

Instead of dieting on Thanksgiving Day, prepare for it. Here are 7 tips on how to prepare for Thanksgiving to reduce your risk of excessive weight gain.

Get 7-8 hours of sleep the night before: Inadequate sleep can lower leptin (hormone that controls feeling of fullness) and increase ghrelin (hormone that controls feeling of hunger). Lower leptin and higher ghrelin hormone levels can contribute to overeating. Some research also has shown that a lack of adequate sleep may cause you to eat more foods that are high in calories, carbs and fats the following day.

Eat breakfast: I know. Some of us skip earlier meals so we can fully indulge during the Thanksgiving meal. However, skipping meals will slow your metabolism, cause your body to store fat and may contribute to overindulgence when it’s time to sit at the Thanksgiving table. Eat breakfast. Go with a high fiber meal such as steel cut oatmeal. You also can add quinoa (a good source of protein and fiber), a tablespoon of peanut butter (a good source of protein), and fruit (berries, banana, etc.). The fiber and protein will keep you satiated heading into your holiday meal. If your Thanksgiving meal is later in the evening, have a healthy lunch as well. Bottom line: Don’t approach the Thanksgiving table on an empty stomach.

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