Does tightening the reins make you eat more?

As I start to begin my Thanksgiving preparations, I find myself eating more even though I want to be eating less. A strange but common paradox. I was thinking I should cut back a little before the holiday especially since I know I will be entertaining out of town guests, eating out more, and then going on a vacation the day after Thanksgiving. Yet thoughts of deprivation can often lead to overindulgence.

So instead of tightenting my grip, I have decided in the spirit of Thanksgiving to just let go and be thankful for whatever I put into my mouth. While I do not plan to go "hog wild" over Thanksgiving, I do plan to keep this mantra in mind: Bless, savor, and enjoy!

Seven Day Count Down

Seven days until Thanksgiving: family, friends, good food and drink. My advice is to enjoy the day and don't worry about what you eat. (Remember to always drink responsibly.) Did you notice I said "day?" That is the first key to starting off the holiday season on the right foot. After Thursday go back to your regular eating (and exercise) otherwise what starts as just one day often morphs into another 39 days of overindulgence.

To avoid having to face the music on January 1st, here are a few things to consider as you prepare your Thanksgiving feast:

1. Avoid using hydrogenated fats in pies and baked goods.
2. Have a salad and at least two or three vegetables.
3. Use olive or canola oil or Land O Lakes Spreadable Butter (half olive or canola) instead of margarine in cooking.
4. Offer fresh fruit with the other yummy desserts.
5. Don't drink your calories other than wine or spirits, avoid high calorie mixers.
6. Add some whole grain bread to your stuffing.

Which reminds me of one cardinal rule: Don't stuff yourself to the gills. Eat until you are full - not stuffed. Then in a few hours, if you are hungry go back for more. A stuffed turkey is good, a stuffed belly is not.

Prevent Holiday Weight Gain

Right about now, clients start to ask how they can keep weight off over the holidays. Here are three simple things you can do:

1. Watch your alcohol consumption. If you know you will be drinking, cut back on starchy foods during the day. Eat more veggies and lean protein.


2. Watch the sweets at work. Draw a line in the frosting and "just say no" to the plates of goodies that will be passing your desk. Bring a healthy snack from home for the 4:00 slump.


3. Get back to the gym now and don't wait for the New Year to begin again.

Try these for starters. I will be giving tips from now until the end of January.