Tips for Thanksgiving

We’re about to enter holiday season again. With lots of delicious food — which means that we need to be a little more careful not to gain more than a few pounds!

For most of us, Thanksgiving means feasting. The real meaning is to gather in unity and express gratitude — to give thanks with the abundance of our hearts, a time of healing and of sharing our strength and happiness. Yes, of course we need to eat to replenish and nourish our body. And we want to enjoy it too! But do we sometimes forget to eat consciously and joyfully?

Most people think that they can allow themselves to eat a little more and gain some extra pounds, and then lose weight again after Christmas. Some do the opposite and are overly careful in what they eat, even adding extra exercise to avoid gaining any weight. But actually, if you pay a little more attention and follow a few simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your meals and not gain more than a couple of pounds. 

Here’s some tips that may help:

1 — Eat sitting up straight. This will help increase awareness, and with a good posture you will naturally breathe properly, and it will support your digestion, and you will eat more consciously.

2 — Start you meal with protein and salads, rather than potatoes or bread. 

3 — At least one third of your plate should be vegetables and fruits. This will help you control your hunger, while getting adequate nutrients.

4 — Use a small and colorful plate! This can help you consume on average 30% less food. 

5 — Save your calories for your main Thanksgiving meal. Reduce your complex carbohydrate intake, eat moderate fat, and focus on lean protein sources. If you are doing exercise then try not to skip, but also don’t increase your workouts — this will increase your hunger more!

6 — Don’t punish yourself, this will actually give you more stress. Enjoy eating with your family and friends.

7 — Choose water first over alcohol or sugary drinks. If you drink alcohol then add some water or extra ice, and try to drink when your stomach is full as this may help you consume less.

8 — In Hawaii many of us follow the beautiful tradition of praying together at the beginning of a meal. Give real thanks to who cooked the food, and the farmers, workers, animals or plants that have provided it for you. This will put your mind in a more positive state, which can even help you eat less and digest easier too. 

9 — Don’t think that you have to eat everything in one time. Say “I could eat more, but I don’t want too”. Make it your conscious choice to stop eating, and continue later when you feel really hungry.

10 — After a high calorie meal try going a little longer without eating anything, for example an overnight 15 or 16 hours fast.

And say: I always being thankful for… whatever you want to say in that moment! I am so grateful to be able to teach and learn at the same time, and to do what I LOVE to do. 

Happy, healthy Thanksgiving!