Thanksgiving Tips
This wasn't written for WLS patients, but I it still applies to us 
Tips for a healthy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving can be a big fat pain in the behind, and the thighs, and the waist. But it doesn't have to be. Whether you have control over what's being served or not, here are some tips on how to have fun, eat your fill, and not regret it the next day.
Have Thanksgiving lunch, if possible
If you have a heavy lunch, it's easy to have a light dinner. But it can be hard to have a light lunch just because you know there'll be a big dinner. Try not to go overboard on the calories for the day even if you eat a bit too much at one meal.
Drink your fill
Have an eight-ounce glass of water 30 minutes before the Thanksgiving meal begins. You will feel fuller and end up eating less. Afterward, drink tea with a small dessert (or better yet, instead of a dessert!) These calorie-free liquids will fill you up while reducing Thanksgiving-day damage.
Skip some foods, pile on others
Assuming that Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing are must-haves, you still have plenty of other foods to choose from. Avoid high-calorie dishes with bread, creamy sauces, or sugar. Opt for low-calorie salads (mind the dressing!) and vegetables instead.
Eat slowly
Serve yourself small portions and make them last. Savor each bite. Engage in conversation while you eat. The more slowly you eat, the more time your body will have to let you know it's full, and the more likely you will stop eating when you should.
Get the food out of sight
Thanksgiving meals have a way of stretching unduly, which makes it more likely for you to have another piece of this, another nibble of that even if you've already eaten enough. Avoid the temptation by moving to the living room for coffee/tea and conversation, or at least by clearing the table as soon as possible. (If this shocks relatives, remind them they can always have leftovers later, and their stomachs will thank you.)
Don't let Thanksgiving be about food
Sure, eating those once-a-year dishes is great, but Thanksgiving is really a time to be together with family and friends. Plan activities like card games, story telling, or walking, that allow people to be together in a way that doesn't revolve around food.
Tips for a healthy Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving can be a big fat pain in the behind, and the thighs, and the waist. But it doesn't have to be. Whether you have control over what's being served or not, here are some tips on how to have fun, eat your fill, and not regret it the next day.
Have Thanksgiving lunch, if possible
If you have a heavy lunch, it's easy to have a light dinner. But it can be hard to have a light lunch just because you know there'll be a big dinner. Try not to go overboard on the calories for the day even if you eat a bit too much at one meal.
Drink your fill
Have an eight-ounce glass of water 30 minutes before the Thanksgiving meal begins. You will feel fuller and end up eating less. Afterward, drink tea with a small dessert (or better yet, instead of a dessert!) These calorie-free liquids will fill you up while reducing Thanksgiving-day damage.
Skip some foods, pile on others
Assuming that Thanksgiving turkey and stuffing are must-haves, you still have plenty of other foods to choose from. Avoid high-calorie dishes with bread, creamy sauces, or sugar. Opt for low-calorie salads (mind the dressing!) and vegetables instead.
Eat slowly
Serve yourself small portions and make them last. Savor each bite. Engage in conversation while you eat. The more slowly you eat, the more time your body will have to let you know it's full, and the more likely you will stop eating when you should.
Get the food out of sight
Thanksgiving meals have a way of stretching unduly, which makes it more likely for you to have another piece of this, another nibble of that even if you've already eaten enough. Avoid the temptation by moving to the living room for coffee/tea and conversation, or at least by clearing the table as soon as possible. (If this shocks relatives, remind them they can always have leftovers later, and their stomachs will thank you.)
Don't let Thanksgiving be about food
Sure, eating those once-a-year dishes is great, but Thanksgiving is really a time to be together with family and friends. Plan activities like card games, story telling, or walking, that allow people to be together in a way that doesn't revolve around food. Most Active
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