Tables
packed with turkey,
dressing, sweet potato
casserole, bread, fried okra, and so much
more. Thanksgiving dinner is staring us in
the face. While some are chomping at the bit
to enjoy all of the tempting treats holiday
dinners bring, others are anxious about
controlling their weight during a time of
year that challenges discipline.
I sat down with my friend Chris Robinson
to talk about eating healthy during the
holidays. Chris is a Nutritional and Physical
Health Coach. She’s also a wife, a mom of
two, and an entrepreneur.
Chris understands hectic schedules.
She understands picky eaters. She also
understands the importance of taking care
of our bodies. “Exercising and eating healthy
should be a daily habit, like brushing your
teeth,” she says. “God gives us one vessel. So,
care for it and treat it like a temple.”
Chris started her business, Likely Eating,
in 2016 after graduating from Jacksonville
State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in
Dietetics and after completing the Institute
for Integrative Nutrition's Health Coach
Training Program.
“I help people implement healthy lifestyles
into their busy lives. That can be anything
from finding the work out that best fits your
schedule, easiest ways to prepare meals, or
how to have self-care and to love yourself.”
Learn more about Chris and how she could
help you find your new healthy lifestyle at
LIKELY EATING.
VISIT LIKELY EATING
INSIGHT
Q: What are your go-to tips on balancing
your plate at holiday dinners?
A: Add non-starchy vegetables to your plate,
first. The vegetables you know you’ll eat in
addition to ones you’ve never tried. Choose
turkey over ham if available. Save sweets for
dessert. Always always always watch your
portion sizes. Isn’t the excitement about
food the way it tastes? Well then savor every
bite. Don’t inhale your food, chew slowly.
Q: What are your thoughts on second
helpings?
A: Portion sizes, always. When fixing your
plate, you know there will be plenty to have
seconds and some to freeze and keep for
days after so, what’s the point of overeating?
If you find yourself wanting to try everything
on the dessert table, get samples of each.
A sample of food is up to two bites worth.
A sample of a drink is up to two sips. Listen
to your body. When you feel satisfied, stop
eating and enjoy family time.
Q: A lot of people actually plan to splurge
on holidays. When is it OK to splurge?
A: Splurging is to be expected this time
of year. You’re looking forward to having
special foods that aren’t everyday foods.
With that thought, the important key
here is in moderation. Fix your plate with
a reasonable serving portion. Putting too
much food in your body can be harmful for
your digestive system.
Q: A lot of people hold out all day,
skipping breakfast and lunch, waiting on
Thanksgiving dinner to be ready. Is this
advisable? If not, what types of snacks would
you suggest leading up to the turkey dinner?
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