How to Avoid a Food Hangover on Thanksgiving

Of course, Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and enjoy a good meal. But that’s no reason to eat yourself to oblivion to where you can barely move for hours and to where you have a food hangover. So here are some common sense tips for under-indulging yourself and making your Thanksgiving day healthier:

1. Make sure to have a healthy breakfast to start the day. Don’t go into your Thanksgiving meal starving.
2. Go to the gym or do some exercise in the morning if possible. Maybe plan a soccer or basketball game with the kids early in the day.
3. For before dinner snacks, go for the veggies and dip or salad if available.
4. Fill 1/4 of your plate with turkey. Fill 1/2 your plate with as many veggies as possible–brussel sprouts, green beans, carrots, etc. Fill the last 1/4 of your plate with the rest of the goodies–sweet potatoes, etc. But only have one plate.
5. Eat slowly and savor every bite of food. Place your fork down between bites.
6. Let yourself have one glass of wine or other beverage. Have at least one glass of water prior to starting dinner to reduce your appetite
6. Let yourself have one small slice of pie, but no more.
7. Consider getting some family members to go out for a walk after dinner.