Thanksgiving Day Tips
Here are some ideas to help you enjoy your family feast and not leave feeling more stuffed than the bird!
I started thinking about this after watching a segment on the Today Show earlier this week. They featured two test groups for a family of 12 where 6 members in each group were served the same festive dinner but served in different ways.
Group 1 was served family style with all of the serving bowls on the table and Group 2 had a buffet service that started out with only salads and relishes, which were replaced by the entrée and all the trimmings with the dessert served last. Group 1 ended up racking up a total of roughly 15,900 calories, as compared to Group 2 that shared a total of 8920 calories. Group 1 was eating in one meal, an average of 2650 calories which is more than most people eat in an entire day.
One can argue that there could be a number of variables, but this little experiment reminded me of things you can do as either the host/hostess or the guest to enjoy the dinner and not put on extra pounds.
Host:
Table set up: A buffet is probably the most efficient way to serve a large family dinner. (My family really likes food so it would be very hard to find a place at the table to set down your dinner plate if all the serving dishes were there!) I think it is more practical to have all the food out on the buffet table but the arrangement is important. Start the buffet line with the salads, crisp vegetables and appetizers are in the beginning. With the salads in the beginning, you and your guests are less likely to fill up on the heavy carbs.
Size of the Dinner Plates: Set out luncheon size (8” plates) as well as standard size dinner plates. With smaller plates you can reduce about 20% of your food intake.
Water service: Have water glasses on the tables as well as having a beverage station with ice water. For the adult beverages you may want to have red wine as an option as well as white wine even though you are serving turkey. The calorie count is about the same for red (105 calories per 5 ounce pour) but with red wine, people have a better visual of how much they are enjoying.)
Dessert table: Have it separate from the main buffet table and pre-cut smaller servings of the cakes and pies and have them on small plates.
Low calorie options: If you are providing all of the food for the dinner, be sure to have some lower calorie items. As an example, something creative to replace a few high calorie traditional side dishes. I have some ideas so ask me. Also, it’s a good idea to inquire about whether any of your guests have food allergies.
Guest:
Offer to bring something: This can be helpful for you if you are working on a weight goal. It is usually appreciated by the host and gives you the opportunity to bring something you know fits into your food plan. If everyone brings something, you can enjoy sharing new foods.
Use the small plates: but don’t deprive yourself of tasting all of the wonderful family favorites you will undoubtedly have available, just take small servings.
Enjoy your Meal: Chew your food slowly and enjoy the flavors of the food and the time together. I remember at my college sorority house, we were taught to take two bites and then say something pleasant, which brings me to the next item.
Conversation: Don’t bring up politics! It can be a sure fire way to start a less than pleasant family discussion if you know there are opposing views. I don’t think I have to tell you that this can also bring about a case of major indigestion!
Show your appreciation: After the dinner, thank your host or hostess. Written thank you notes are still appreciated but even a thoughtful brief email message is nice. It is a lot of work to host a big holiday dinner so let those special people know they are appreciated.
Above all, remember to have a good time and enjoy sharing. Food is such an important part of our culture and sharing a holiday feast is one of the best ways to build friendships and bond with family members.
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