Countdown to Thanksgiving! So have I convinced you yet that you can still indulge in many of your beloved holiday dishes without sacrificing taste? Take a look again at my scrumptious Buffet Menu and Recipe Collection I created just for you. And by popular request, I’m re-posting Meal Planning Maven’s tried ‘n true tips and tricks to keep any potential holiday “pudge” at bay. Enjoy!
| 1. | DO NOT starve yourself all day before the big meal. Choosing a nourishing breakfast, a light lunch and maybe even a small snack or two from MPM’s Pudge-Busting Collection will work wonders from preventing you from going food crazy the minute dinner is served. |
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| 2. | DO put your Buffet Blinders on before you eat! Worried how you’ll survive your favorite restaurant’s famous Thanksgiving buffet without loading up your plate with everything in sight? Follow MPM’s tried and true trick. Survey the entire buffet without a plate and make mental notes of which dishes you want to try the most. With a game plan in mind, go back with a plate which you will fill with 2/3 proteins and veggies, which leaves 1/3 for some goodies.Do not go back for more…your belly is full! Are you doing the cooking? This year’s tantalizing Thanksgiving Buffet and Recipe Collection takes the guesswork out of what to make and keeps you on the healthy eating track! And it you need to bring a company dish to share, you will find lots of goodies in MPM’s Thanksgiving Recipe Collection to choose from. |
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| 3. | DO fill your tummy up with loads of goodies…and by goodies I am talking about clean and healthy ones! No one ever got fat from eating roasted turkey, steamed or roasted veggies and salad! |
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| 4. | DO remember water is a huge appetite buster! Drink lots of water, before, during and after your big meal. While MPM is on the subject of water, before you sneak some extra sweet potato casserole (you know the one with the marshmallows and pralines!) ask yourself if you’re really hungry. Chances are you’re just thirsty…so drink up! |
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| 5. | DO watch out for mindless munching! Just because you spy Grandma’s candy dish with that tempting combo of nuts, M & M’s and pretzels, doesn’t mean you have to down a handful! Instead, look around for healthier choices such as cocktail shrimp or whole-grain chips and salsa. |
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| 6. | DO NOT fall victim to “kind” friends who urge you to “just try a little piece.” You know who they are…we all have them! Next time this happens to you, try saying, “Oh no thank you, I’ve just found out I can’t tolerate dairy (or whatever the “trigger” food is). |
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| 7. | DO make the meal more about the friends and family you care about and put less emphasis on the food. No matter what your nationality, don’t family gatherings always seem to revolve around food? This you’re not likely to change. But what you CAN do, is engage yourself in conversations with those you love instead of overstuffing your belly. Once you master this technique, you’ll find your food temptations start to run out the door! |
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| 8. | DO remember conscious treating is A-Ok! But think BITES, NOT GOBS! Be choosy… Is your absolute fave Thanksgiving dessert Aunt Millie’s Pumpkin Cream Pie? Then cut yourself a sliver and take a few bites. Put your fork down and walk away! It has been said that the first bite tastes the best. After that, you may just be eating out of habit. |
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| 9. | DO have fun during Football Frenzy! Watching endless football games and parades always part of your Thanksgiving family tradition? Fill your belly with snacks that won’t pack on the pounds. How about a huge veggie platter with hummus? |
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| 10. | DO NOT let that belly-bursting dinner get to your waistline. Round up your gang and go for a brisk walk. See how much better you feel already? |
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| 11. | DO NOT think just because you pigged out during Turkey Day, all your hard work will go to waste! Nothing could be further from the truth! Just pick yourself up and jump back on the healthy eating wagon at your very next meal, starting with choosing goodies from MPM’s Pudge-Busting Collection! Your waistline will certainly thank you! |
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Hungry for More?
I invite you to visit my Recipe Collections where lots of goodies such as Pudge-Busting Dishes, Pack ‘n Go Lunch Favorites, Dinners in a Flash, Freezer-Friendly Meals, Favorite Crockpot Dishes, Healthier Indulgences and MORE are awaiting your discovery!
Can You Become a Meal Planning Maven Success Story?
YES! Contact me for more information about my services. I would love to share my healthy eating secrets you can use, today, tomorrow and always. My specialties include creating customized meal planners and one- on- one food coaching using tried ‘n true methods. Whether your goal is to feed your family healthier meals, build a collection of quick ‘n easy recipes, “go gluten-free,” or perhaps knock off that pesky “pudge” that may mysteriously find its way to your middle between Thanksgiving and New Year’s …I’d LOVE to help!
MPM’s Success Stories
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Ceeya Next Time!
Linda Shapiro, Meal Planning Maven
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