Thanksgiving is only weeks away and many people in the area and around the country will likely plan to stuff themselves with rich foods.

Experts say people can enjoy feasting on holiday meals without packing on the pounds or feeling sick from overeating.

Nilo Sultani, a clinical dietitian at Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital at 1930 E. Thomas Road, recommends people focus on their normal routines and enjoy the actual Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays without looking at every day in the months of November and December as times to overeat. He advises eating one or two small meals before the big dinner and cautions that people should not starve themselves before the big turkey dinner.

Sultani also suggests people save some food for leftovers and not to keep eating when they are already full. She said a good place to quit eating is when someone feels satisfied but still could comfortably go on a walk.

Colten Tyler, a personal trainer with Village Health Clubs & Spas, recommends people start their meal with vegetables, then add protein onto their plates. Tyler also suggests people only put food on half their plate each time they go to a buffet-style meal. Eating slowly is another way to curb overeating and it helps with digestion health, stress reduction and weight loss assistance, he added.

Another tip is to have an early Thanksgiving dinner to give the body time to digest and get active, Sultani said. Shopping for Black Friday deals can be a good way to get moving. Other things people can do include playing football, going for a hike and other activities that increase heart rate.

 

Author

Hello, North Central neighbor — thank you for visiting!

Sign up to receive our digital issue in your inbox each month.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.