Let’s talk diet…as in post-Thanksgiving, get back on track, healthy eating.  Diets really don’t work unless we’re talking about a diet of healthy, good for you food that you’re maintaining for life (with the occasional departure, of course).

The question is, did you enjoy Thanksgiving in moderation, consciously eating and feeling good afterward, or did you fall off the wagon of your healthy plan, eating plentiful amounts of pumpkin pie, mac and cheese and stuffing?

If you’re in the camp of not doing as well as you would have liked, now’s the time to course correct and get back on the track before Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s, not to mention the plethora of holiday parties, throw you off track for good! In fact it’s possible to go to your favorite functions and completely enjoy yourself without letting out some space in your belt buckle.

The key is to getting into action immediately (as in this week!) to rein in your eating. Here are three simple steps to get you started:

• Use Thanksgiving leftovers for healthy, low fat dishes — I’m a big fan of turkey chili and turkey soup. In fact, I already whipped up some tasty turkey soup yesterday with lots of fresh veggies and brown rice noodles. I added carrots, onion, celery and fresh spinach along with fresh dill and parsley. Light and refreshing.
• Drink up — water that is. Have you been so busy eating and even drinking a bit more than usual that your water intake has gone down? It’s super easy to get dehydrated and dehydration often masks itself as hunger when in reality a tall glass of water can relieve those hunger pangs instantly. Not to mention make us feel a lot more alert and energetic.
• Be conscious of everything you put in your mouth this week. If this weekend was about too much celebration, think carefully about everything you plan to put into your mouth. Do you need it or simply want it? How can you eat less of it and still be satisfied? Start with small portions and choose wisely. Your increased awareness alone can save you LOTS of calories.

What’s your personal plan to stay on track with healthy eating and feel your best during the holidays? One’s one thing you’ll start doing this week?

Filed under: Diets, Eating Less, Healthy Meals, Hunger, Hydration, Mindful Eating