Kick Off the Holiday Season With a Healthier Thanksgiving | WPN World People News

Lightening up recipes and focusing on family rather than food are just two of the ways people can enjoy a healthier Thanksgiving.

Here offered several tips on how to enjoy the holiday without overindulging, including:

■ Stay active. Taking a walk or playing football can burn calories and become a new family tradition.

■ Don't skip breakfast. A good breakfast can help curb appetite later in the day. People who are not too hungry are less likely to overeat at mealtime.

■ Modify recipes. Making small changes to traditional recipes to cut calories and fat can go a long way. Use less butter and oil when possible. Opt for fat-free chicken broth and fat-free yogurt instead of cream in dips, mashed potatoes and casseroles.

■ Control portions. Avoid going back for seconds and limit portion size.

■ Choose wisely. Only eat the foods that are unique to Thanksgiving and save ordinary foods for another day. Save some room for side dishes and dessert.

■ Don't rush. Eating slowly helps people enjoy their food and realize when they are full.

■ Limit alcohol. Calories from alcohol add up quickly. Alcohol also triggers cravings for high-calorie comfort foods. It's also a good idea to drink some water between alcoholic drinks.

■ Change the focus. Rather than concentrating only on food, remember that Thanksgiving is a holiday about family and friends as well. Find ways to enjoy quality time together, such as playing games or socializing.

■ Don't overindulge. Thanksgiving is a special occasion, but try not to continue indulging throughout the entire holiday season.

■ Be prepared. As holiday shopping kicks into high gear, remember to stock up on healthy snacks, such as trail mix and fruit, and drink plenty of water to avoid resorting to high-calorie fast foods.

Source: HealthDay News