Practical Self-Control Strategies for Thanksgiving Dinner

With Thanksgiving only a week away, many people start to think about how to manage the onslaught of calorie dense food that will become available. If you're like me, you'll try to control yourself and then quickly abandon that approach. This usually ends with some level of discomfort —clearly a sub-optimal outcome.

But Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to be a day of excess that leaves you groaning on the couch, regretting your life choices. Here are some practical self-control strategies to help manage the Thanksgiving dinner super-mega-food-extravaganza.

• Don't Skip Meals

  Skipping meals to "save room" sounds smart, but it backfires. You’ll arrive at the table so ravenous, you’ll eat faster than your stomach can say, “Wait, I’m full!” Instead, have a healthy breakfast with protein and fiber (think eggs, oatmeal, and whole-grain toast) and a light lunch. This keeps your hunger in check so you can approach the feast with a level head.

  
  

• Table Scan

  Before diving in, take a walk around the buffet or look over the spread. Mentally prioritize your favorite dishes. Love stuffing (like my sister-in-law) and cranberry sauce? Go for them. Not a fan of green bean casserole? (most people aren't). By all means, skip it. This simple act prevents you from loading your plate with "meh" items just because they’re there.

  
  

• Take a 10 Minute Time Out

  Once you’ve cleared your plate, pause for 10 minutes. Sip water, chat with your relatives (the ones you like), or help clear the table. This break gives your body time to recognize if you’re actually full or just tempted by the smell of pie. Often, you’ll find that initial hunger fades.

  
  

• Water is Your Friend

  Before refilling your plate, drink some water. Staying hydrated not only keeps you from mistaking thirst for hunger but also gives your stomach time to signal fullness. Bonus: It helps wash down that rich gravy!

  
  

• Reserve Space for Dessert

  Dessert is the star of Thanksgiving for many, so treat it that way! Save room for your favorite pie and serve yourself a reasonable slice. If there’s more than one dessert you can’t resist, take a small taste of each instead of a full serving.

  
  

Thanksgiving isn't a competitive eating event. Focus on the dishes you love, pace yourself like a seasoned pro, and listen to your body when it whispers, “Hey, maybe stop.” And remember: leftovers exist for a reason.