5 Thanksgiving Weight Loss Mistakes

December 06, 2016

5 Thanksgiving Weight Loss Mistakes

If you’re feeling nervous about the Thanksgiving holiday, you’re not alone. When trying to lose weight, a holiday centered on food can be extremely tempting.

It’s okay to enjoy a few bites of your favorite Thanksgiving appetizers and entrees. It’s a holiday and you should enjoy it; that being said, here are a few things that you should avoid doing on Thanksgiving.

Mistake #1: Skipping Breakfast

Some people believe that skipping breakfast helps save calories for a big dinner, but that’s often not the case. Usually this results in low energy throughout the day and overeating when dinner rolls around. Instead, eat a light breakfast that can get your energy going. If you’re not starving by dinner, you’ll be able to control your portion sizes.

Mistake #2: Mindless Snacking While Cooking

If you plan on spending a lot of time in the kitchen this Thanksgiving, beware of constant snacking. This can be way too easy to do when food and delicious cooking aromas surround you. Snack minimally, and when you do so, snack on fruits, veggies, and protein-rich foods.

Mistake #3: Overloading on Unhealthy Ingredients

Thanksgiving is filled with comfort foods. Comfort foods are usually packed with butter, salt, and other unhealthy ingredients. These ingredients should be used in moderation, and when substitutions are available, utilize them!

Mistake #4: Forgetting to Drink Water

Whether you’re busy shopping, cooking, setting up, cleaning, etc., make sure you are drinking water. Staying hydrated is very important for your health, and dehydration is often confused with hunger, which can cause overeating.

Mistake #5: Going for Seconds Later in the Evening

After you finish Thanksgiving dinner, put the leftovers away and don’t go back for seconds before bed. Save your leftovers (and the calories that come with them) for the following day.