American culture has chosen a lot of foods that aren't always the best for you for this holiday. I'd like to do a quick post on some common foods you will find served on turkey day, which ones to chose and avoid, and also some tricks you can employ to avoid overeating and feeling like one giant gas bubble.
1). Before you eat anything, drink 8-16 ounces of water. Not only does water speed metabolism and help you feel more full, but it also aids in digestion. Water will help you to avoid overeating and help you digest the food if you do over eat.
2). A good tip to start off would be to try to make at least half of your first plate vegetables. Vegetables are loaded with fiber and help you feel full so eating them first will encourage you not to overeat on the bad stuff. Common vegetables on thanksgiving are broccoli, green beans, salad, carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. You can basically feel free to eat all of these foods that you want guilt free, but a few words of caution would be: avoid green beans in the form of green bean casseroles they are often loaded with sodium and fats, avoid canned yams as they are often drenched in syrup and sometimes even covered with marshmallows, and although corn and white potatoes are vegetables if you are looking to stay lean this year you should limit these veggies.
3). Turkey is a good source of protein and the white meat is usually extremely low in fat, making it a good choice for your dinner, but be warned that this meat is loaded with tryptophan which is a naturally occurring amino acid commonly sold as a sleeping aid.
4). Avoid eating excessive carbohydrates if you wish to maintain your waistline this year. I am not demonizing carbs here, but be warned that carbohydrates can cause: water retention, indigestion, heart burn, bloating, and gas, especially in large amounts. If you don't want to look or feel like the blimp flying over the thanksgiving day football game, then try to limit these foods: macaroni and cheese, stuffing, white potatoes, rolls, cornbread, and other breads.
5). If you have followed the previous tips in the article so far, then at this point you are probably already pretty full from: water, veggies, some turkey, and of course a few of your favorite not so good for you foods as well. Now its time for dessert... I won't tell you you can't have dessert, but I'll recommend eating only one or two servings tops if maintaining your weight and waistline is important to you. Fruit is usually a good choice if its available, and even with pie, a pie with fruit or pumpkin is usually better than say, Boston cream pie, or pecan pie.
6). So the meal is over now, and you aren't feeling too guilty, you drank water, ate veggies and turkey, and limited your carbohydrate and sweets consumption, but you still can't help but feel full, uncomfortable, and bloated... Have no fear! You remembered your raw, unfiltered, apple cider vinegar right? Raw, unfiltered, apple cider vinegar (I usually buy Bragg's), contains tons of active enzymes that help break down food, its also acidic which helps break down foods even more, and it is also highly alkalizing for the body so it will help to restore your regular PH balance after a big meal. Take 1 or 2 tablespoons of this vinegar mixed with 4-8 ounces of water after your meal to help with digestion, and to avoid gas and heartburn.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of my readers. I hope this post will help you make healthier choices and not feel too bloated after your meal, but if you go overboard anyway, try not to be too hard on yourself... it is Thanksgiving.
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