How To NOT Overdo It at Thanksgiving
The key to a guilt-free holiday meal is finding balance without feeling deprived. Use these tips to help you throughout the holidays, not matter where you’ll be celebrating.
From October to December, it seems like we go into eating overdrive. The secret to a guilt-free Thanksgiving meal is finding balance without feeling deprived. Use these tips to help you throughout the holidays, no matter where you're celebrating.
-
IN THE KITCHEN
- When cooking for yourself and friends or family, you have the control.
- Balance the menu: Make some light and healthy veggie dishes along with those high-calorie classics.
- Limit the choices: Resist the urge to make 100 different things -- decide on a few and save some recipes for another holiday.
- Save room: Make smaller portions of your favorite recipes so everyone can have a bit of a taste.
-
AT THE DINNER TABLE
- Whether you're a dinner guest or sitting down to your own meal, it's not a race to see who can eat the most.
- Downsize: Use smaller serving utensils and plates to help keep portions under control.
- Avoid getting stuffed: You don’t have to taste (or finish) EVERYTHING – that's the beauty of having leftovers for the next day.
- Watch the alcohol: Cocktails have calories too!
-
AT A RESTAURANT
- Just because you don't know how much butter went into those potatoes doesn't mean you can't keep tabs on what you eat.
- Beware the buffet: Most people tend to take “all you can eat” too seriously -- keep portions small and sensible.
- Order smart: When dining family-style, be the one to order some lighter dishes for the table to share.
- Doggie bags: Just because you’re dining out doesn’t mean you can't take leftovers home.
Next Up
All Your Thanksgiving Dinner Questions — Answered!
Got a burning (ha!) question as you're prepping for Turkey Day? Don't worry — our experts have fast solutions to every puzzler.
Our Test Kitchen Staffers' Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes
Food Network Kitchen chefs, stylists and recipe developers share their go-to dishes for Turkey Day.
Thanksgiving Chicken Should Be Your New Main Course
Evoke the classic holiday flavor (and scent!) without tackling an entire turkey.
The Best Wines to Pair with Thanksgiving Turkey
Our expert sommelier provides several affordable picks that’ll highlight your bird's beautiful roasted flavors.
All the Ingredient Substitutions You Need for Thanksgiving
If something goes missing or a guest arrives with a last-minute request, don't panic. Here's how to substitute nearly every traditional Thanksgiving ingredient.
You Won't Want to Skip These Mini Thanksgiving Desserts
Why choose between pumpkin or pecan pie when you can have both.
6 Ways to Turn Your Favorite Thanksgiving Pie into Cake
Now you can have your cake and eat pie too!
Humor Is How This Cartoonist Is Celebrating Thanksgiving This Year
It’s OK to laugh at your Zoom Thanksgiving set-up.
19 Genius Thanksgiving Tips and Tricks We Found on TikTok
Will these viral hacks really help you up your hosting game this Turkey Day? We asked a recipe developer to weigh in.
If You Hate Making Pie Crust, These Are the Thanksgiving Desserts for You
Say bye bye to soggy pie!