Tulsa World: Holiday eating can be managed effectively

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Holiday eating can be managed effectively

Make a trade: If pecan pie is one of your Thanksgiving dishes, enjoy a pie but avoid the rolls or beans. CORY YOUNG / Tulsa World file

By CARY ASPINWALL World Scene Writer
Published: 11/26/2009 2:24 AM
Last Modified: 11/26/2009 8:40 AM

Thanksgiving is supposed to be about showing gratitude for our blessings, but often it focuses on a bounty of food and overeating.

"It shouldn't be about the food, but it is," said Cece Davis, registered dietitian and owner of Nutrition Consultants of Tulsa.

Though the average weight gain between Thanksgiving and Christmas is only about a pound, it can add up over time if that pound stays put until the next year's holiday, Davis said.

With turkey feasts, cookie exchanges, holiday buffets and cocktails from now through the New Year, it's a terrible time to try to lose weight.

"Be realistic," Davis said. "Try to maintain your weight instead of losing weight until after the holidays."

No one wants to be on a diet at the Thanksgiving table, so focus on the foods you really like and don't take servings of the ones you don't really care about, Davis suggested.

If you could care less about the turkey, just take servings of your favorite side dishes. If stuffing and pumpkin pie are your favorites, get servings of those and avoid the rolls and green beans you don't enjoy as much.

"Eat what you really think is worth it and that will help you feel like you've really experienced Thanksgiving," she said.

And don't eat like it's Thanksgiving for four days in a row.

"Most of the harmful calories are not actually eaten at the meal," she said. "It's eating leftovers all weekend long."

She tells clients to "dump the guilt" about getting rid of leftovers — and have plenty of to-go bags to hand to guests as they leave, so you're not left with four pies — and a pile of temptation.

Cary Aspinwall 581-8477
cary.aspinwall@tulsaworld.com By CARY ASPINWALL World Scene Writer

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Elusive, Owasso (11/30/2009 1:13:28 AM)

Don't worry about it until January 2nd.

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