Holiday Dieting

Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner Without Sabotaging Your Waistline

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Dating Tips and Advice

Q: Dear April Masini,

The holidays are coming up, and so is my 10-year high school reunion. I've been dieting and have lost about 10 pounds for the event, but I know that every year I am 10 pounds heavier after the holidays. It's discouraging to think that in a couple of months I'm going to be back where I started!

I have thought about how to diet during all the great parties and dinners, but I know that when I sit down to the turkey and stuffing, I'm not going to be able to just eat the salad. I'm (half-jokingly) considering skipping Thanksgiving altogether. How can I get through the holidays and still look good for the reunion?

Signed,

Holiday Dieter

A:

Dear Holiday Dieter,

Thanksgiving is just one day, but it can be murder on your diet and set you on a mentality to ignore your diet through the entire holiday season. (And it doesn't help that the holidays are so stressful!) Putting your best foot forward at the Thanksgiving table can get your party season moving in the right direction.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you get ready to eat at Thanksgiving (or any other holiday):

1. Load up on vegetables. These are the least fattening items on every table -- but skip the potatoes or just have a little bit of them.

2. Use a smaller plate than usual. People have a tendency to fill their plates with food. A small plate means less food.

3. Eat breakfast. Don't skip meals for a day in advance in order to fill up at the Thanksgiving meal. Try to eat normally.

4. Limit your alcohol to a glass or two of wine. The more you drink, the less aware you are of how much you're eating.

5. Take breaks between courses. Your stomach will have a chance to feel full if you take a break. If you feel full, you're less likely to keep eating.

6. White meat is less fattening than dark meat. Turkey skin is very fattening. Stick to the white meat.

Or, plan to be the photographer for the night. If you're holding a camera, it's hard to eat! Another great way to make sure the parties don't affect your waistline is to boost your exercise. Check out my tips for keeping up your fitness regime through the holidays.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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