In 2009, the International Food Information Council Foundation conducted the fourth annual, Food & Health Survey, a analysis of Americans’ attitudes towards food, nutrition and health. Before Dr. Wansink presented us his sage advice for how to navigate our way through the food-filled holidays, he discussed a few of his key findings from the 2009 survey. Below are the most salient highlights:
Most people overeat at Thanksgiving, it’s a matter of fact. According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), the average “Turkey Day” plate is 3,000 calories. That’s not counting “seconds” or any snacks people have before the big meal. One way to cut back on the calorie damage is to make healthier versions of your favorites. (Do you really need four sticks of butter in that stuffing?) One of my personal faves is making an apple pie with 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries and instead of a high fat top crust, use thinly sliced apples that get crispy with baking.
But could there be something else going on that has nothing to do with how the food is prepared or the portion size you choose? Heck yeah. Is your diet diva going to tell you? Absolutely.
It’s called food “complexity” and “taste satiety.” Basically, you overeat at Thanksgiving because you are eating mindlessly. You’re not taking the time to intentionally slow down, serve yourself a small amount of food, and enjoy and savor each bite. If you did this, you’d get full well before you hit the 1,500 calorie mark, maybe even before hitting 1,000 calories.
Just a little football and family are enough to make any day a holiday for me, but Thanksgiving seems to be defined by turkey, casseroles, carbs, sugar, and overindulgence. We teach our children that the first Thanksgiving was a feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Natives in celebration of the bountiful harvest that followed a harsh winter. It may have partially been intended to build up stores of fat to help survive the approaching winter.
As modern day Americans, we do not have to be concerned about weather conditions making food unavailable. We have 24-hour grocery stores and shelves stocked with options. We can be thankful for this every day. As a result, our Thanksgiving celebrations can be more than feasts. This is particularly dangerous for those who are trying to alter their approach to food.
While overeating can make one sluggish, disappointed in one’s self, and unhappy with appearance, giving thanks will help you focus on the positive things in life and improve outlook and mood. This year, instead of recognizing the day by raising your fork, try one (or all) of these tips.
Just in time for the holidays, DietsInReview.com had a chance to talk with Lisa as she shared with us some of her tips for making the season fun, festive and healthy. She also gave us the scoop on her soon-to-be-released, Chew the Right Thing, a perfect guilt-free gift for the holidays.
Listen now to the audio of my conversation with Lisa, or continue reading the transcipt below.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, as well as the endless supply of turkey and pie. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year due to the splendid family time and the non-stop football on TV; although it is definitely all too easy to pack on the weight during the lazy times of the holidays.
Finding ways to eat less and stay active are few and far between, but a must during this time of year. Below are a few fitness tips and a high intensity workout that you can take advantage of during the Thanksgiving season.
Top Thanksgiving Fitness Tips
Take a trip: Plan Thanksgiving somewhere where the entire family can be active (Ski resort).
Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is a must and a great way to give your mind and stomach a “full” sensation.
DietsInReview.com had an opportunity to take part in a webcast organized by the International Food Information Council Foundation and hosted Brian Wansink Ph.D, Director of the Cornell Food and Brand Lab and bestselling author of the eye-opening book, Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More than We Think.
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