Ditch the food coma & prevent overeating on Thanksgiving

Don’t sit down overly hungry; eat a decent breakfast and lunch. Many people think that if they don’t eat ahead of time, that they’ll have more room for that delicious Thanksgiving dinner. That’s not necessarily the case. The hungrier you are when you sit down, the more likely you are to overfill your plate and/or eat too quickly. Eating too fast can lead to a full belly before you’re ready to end the feast!

Eat the middle of your pie and skip the crust. Who likes the crust anyway?! It’s what’s on the inside, not the outside, that counts! This one is easy for me because I’m not a big fan of pie crust to begin with. Does this mean I can eat as much pie filling as I want? Probably not.

Even if you just take a bite of a pastry or pecan pie, each taste counts

Plan on eating leftovers. There are usually more than enough side dishes for a few meals. Whatever you don’t taste today, you can taste tomorrow.

I plan on playing the poor college student card to secure me plenty of leftovers.

Fill half your plate with vegetables.

Hopefully not all the vegetables are drenched in butter. Opt for two spoonfuls of vegetable side dishes for each starch-based one that you take (and no, potatoes are not a vegetable in this case).

Fend off food-pushing relatives. Don’t eat something just because your grandma wants you to. Compliment her outfit, ask for a recipe, inquire about an old friend — anything to change the topic from why you didn’t touch both her pecan pie and pumpkin cheesecake.

My grandma is one of those typical grandmas. I’m either eating too much or not enough. My eating habits are my own and I don’t want to feel bad about them. Often I tease her back. Lately I’ve been beating her to the punch and commenting on her eating habits, reminding her of the leftovers. It’s a good way to make light of the situation and share a laugh over something that bothers you.

Exercise before the meal; this will suppress your appetite and boost your metabolism. I’d exercise if only to make myself feel better about the meal I’m about to eat.

Keep a journal of what you eat. Remember that one pound is equal to 3,500 calories. I haven’t actually tried this, but I know a few people who keep track of what they eat and they’re shedding the pounds.

Avoid conflict or dysfunctional family dynamics that can stress you out to the point where you take solace in food.

Food is a comfort to many people. I don’t even realize when I’m comfort eating. I try going into the day with an open mind and clear heart. It’s important to leave the drama at the door and just enjoy the holiday with my family. No muss, no fuss.

Drink alcohol only when you’re eating dinner. I realize this is difficult for many twenty-somethings. But last night was Black Wednesday, you should be good for an afternoon.

Drinking throughout the day will only raise your chances of getting drunk and saying or doing something embarrassing in front of your entire family. Do you really want to be reminded of this event for years to come?

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Especially if you participated in Black Wednesday! Drink two or three glasses of water before the feast begins. Drinking water will also help ensure that you don’t sit down, starving, ready to devour an entire turkey.

Water is good for you. You’re not hurting yourself by drinking it. Drink it in addition to the glass of wine you have.

Only one round of food

I saved this for last because I think it will be the most difficult rule to follow. Only one plate?! I’d cheat and fill up the plate as much as I could. My stomach probably won’t be happy with me later, but at least my taste buds will :)