3 WAYS TO STAY HEALTHY And Still Enjoy Your Holiday Feast Should we feel guilty about how much food we eat on Thanksgiving? Many nutrition experts say no, but there are exceptions. If you feel exceptionally self-conscious about your health during Thanksgiving this year, here are a few tips to keep in mind. No. 1: Grab a smaller plate. back to haunt you. Create a game plan to ensure you don’t get off-track, even creating your own “menu” with ideal portion sizes, based on the offerings. No. 3: Brush and floss your teeth like you regularly do.
Even though this tip is relatively new in the world of dietitians and nutrition experts, this has to be the oldest Thanksgiving trick in the book. When we’re full and can’t stand our family’s pressure to grab another plate, we just work around it by grabbing a smaller plate. If you find yourself piling on food, try making your first plate smaller than usual! You might surprise yourself with how effectively your first plate of delicious, dense Thanksgiving food will keep you full. No. 2: Consider what type of eater you are. Dietary experts agree that eating far beyond your regular diet for one day shouldn’t lead to significant weight gain. “One unhealthy meal is not going to cause you to gain weight, just like one healthy meal doesn’t cause you to lose weight,” says Alissa Rumsey, M.S., R.D., spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The only exception? If you’re a binge-eater or you compulsively overeat, you might feel anxious about the following weeks (even months or years) after Thanksgiving in which your instinct to keep eating comes
Don’t brush your teeth immediately after consuming a large amount of soda or sugary sweets — the sugar will actually soften the enamel in your teeth, and brushing immediately after sugar consumption will break down your enamel. Stick to your usual brushing routine. Keep in mind that one unhealthy meal won’t have a big impact on your overall health. However, fighting heart disease and diabetes goes far beyond simply avoiding too many sugars and carbs. You also need to care for your teeth. Research shows that inflammation in your gums circulates bacteria in your bloodstream, which contributes to heart disease and impairs your body’s ability to utilize insulin. The best way to ensure your body stays healthy throughout the holidays isn’t just eating smart in the long run — it’s also making sure your oral health is a long-term priority. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give our expert team a call!
“Just don’t give up what you’re trying to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” –ELLA FITZGERALD
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