Survive Thanksgiving WITHOUT Gaining Weight
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 22, 2023
We all LOVE Thanksgiving. But the day after? Not so much.
If you’re like many folks, you’ll spend this Friday wondering how in the heck you ate all that food. And absolutely TERRIFIED of setting foot on the scale.
Sliding your scale under the bathroom sink until Groundhog Day might seem like a good solution.
But I’ve got a BETTER plan…
You CAN enjoy your favorite foods this Thursday… and ALL season long… without a drop of regret or gaining an ounce.
Just use these four simple tricks…
- BEAT THE BUFFET:
Ever go to a buffet? They pull a trick to keep their costs down that you can use to YOUR advantage when faced with that tempting Thanksgiving spread tomorrow.
Buffets put all the tempting, carb-heavy foods first, such as potatoes, bread, and pasta. They want you to load up on this stuff because it’s CHEAP.
Plus, you’ll have less room on your plate—and in your belly—for the good stuff, like the carving stations at the other end of the line.
Pro tip: If you eat at a buffet, walk right past all the cheap stuff and head straight for the carving stations first.
At home, for holiday meals, use the same trick. Load up on more turkey and take less (or no) stuffing and potatoes.
The protein-rich turkey isn’t just the best part of the meal. It’s also healthier AND filling, so you’re less likely to stuff yourself with stuffing.
- THE NO-TOUCHING RULE:
Were you “that kid” who couldn’t let your food touch on the plate?
Well, it’s time to embrace your inner picky child. Because there’s no better way to effortlessly practice portion control at huge holiday meals.
Put whatever you want on your plate. But under one condition. And that is, no food can touch any other.
This will automatically keep your portions smaller while letting you indulge in everything you really want to try.
- LIKE-LIKE-LOVE:
OK, let’s face it. You’re not going to love EVERY dish that makes it onto the Thanksgiving table this year … even if you’d never say it out loud.
You don’t want to insult any well-meaning guest who proudly presents their contribution to the meal. But when you’ve had one marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole, you’ve had them all.
So, here’s what you do. Consider which word comes to mind first when you see a dish. Is it “LIKE” or is it “LOVE”? If it’s like, move on. If it’s love, add a little to your plate.
Be sure to follow this rule at dessert time, too. For example, you can get store-bought cookies at any time of year. And chocolate is always available. But your best friend only makes her special homemade gingerbread once a year.
Savor the best stuff and ignore the rest.
- SHARE THE WEALTH:
Are you hosting Turkey Day this year? Make sure EVERYONE goes home with a parting gift.
Send each of your dinner guests out the door with leftovers. And be generous.
Keep some of the proteins for yourself. But give away just about anything else. Especially all those unhealthy side dishes and every last crumb of the desserts.
Nothing gets wasted. And you don’t have all those temptations staring at you whenever you open your fridge.
Don’t worry; it’s the holidays. There will be more to enjoy later. Just follow these rules at every feast and gathering, and you’ll make it to Christmas without being mistaken for Santa Claus.
P.S. SIMPLE eating trick HEADS OFF diabetes, heart disease, and weight gain.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
The Secret Ingredient to a Longer, Happier Life
Let’s face it. We’re all in need of an attitude adjustment from time to time. After all, when you turn on the news these days, the world can seem pretty dark. That is unless you make it a practice to look for the silver linings. In fact, Harvard researchers say when you do, something quite...
Do You REALLY Need All Those Skincare Products?
I often get questions about skincare products—and here’s what I’ve learned. In today’s beauty-obsessed world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of spending hundreds every month believing you need countless products to fight aging and achieve healthy, glowing skin. However, many dermatologists argue that LESS is MORE when it comes to skincare. Simplifying your...
“Ebb and Flow” Technique TRANSFORMS Senior Brain Health
You know by now that exercise is good for you. It keeps your heart healthy, your muscles strong, and your waistline trim. But what if I told you that a trendy “ebb and flow” workout technique—often associated with young fitness enthusiasts—could actually be a game-changer for us “oldsters” when it comes to brain health? And...
Mailbag: Slash Your Risk of Bone Fractures as You Age
“My doctor recently told me that I have osteoporosis. What can I do to reduce my risk of fractures and maintain strong bones as I age?” – Margaret Hi Margaret, Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m sure it was a shock. Osteoporosis is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and it’s not...
Household Favorite EXPOSED as Cancer Risk?
We all want to believe that the products we use daily are safe. After all, if they weren’t, they wouldn’t be on store shelves, right? Well, I hate to break it to you, but sometimes, the truth is far more alarming than we’d like to admit. The World Health Organization (WHO) has just dropped a...
Hidden Heatwave Threat REVEALED
Heat waves can have serious consequences. After all, staying cool isn’t just a comfort issue. When the mercury soars, it threatens your health—especially when you’re a senior. There are various reasons for this, including chronic medical conditions and bodies that just don’t regulate temperature as well as they once did. But there’s another heat-linked threat...
The Hidden Threat Behind Your Achy Joints
Picture this… You’re trying to enjoy a leisurely stroll in the park, but each step sends a jolt of pain through your knee. Or maybe you’re attempting to open a stubborn jar lid, only to have your fingers refuse to cooperate, leaving you feeling frustrated and helpless. Perhaps you’re simply trying to get out of...
Parkinson's Signs You Can't Afford to Miss
Imagine waking up one day to find your body betraying you. Your hands tremble as you try to button your shirt. Your feet shuffle when you want to walk with purpose. Once strong and clear, your voice now barely reaches above a whisper. This is the reality for those living with Parkinson’s. But what if...
Do Protein Needs Drop with Age? The SURPRISING Answer
I had a patient ask me the other day if they needed as much protein now as when they were younger. After all, we aren’t quite as active as seniors compared to when we were spring chickens. It’s a good question. And the answer might surprise you… Remember when you could devour a whole pizza...
Follow Your “Gut Feeling” to Reduce Diabetes Risk
It seems like every day we learn something new about the incredible influence our gut has on our overall health. From mood to immunity, and even to how well we sleep, the community of microbes in our digestive tract is pulling the strings behind the scenes. So, it should come as no surprise that researchers...