Community Talks: Thanksgiving 101

When tables overflow with seemingly endless courses, how can we make it through Thanksgiving weekend without undoing all of our weight-loss efforts? Read these great suggestions from our Community users and share your advice on the boards.

Have it your way
Don't let traditions hobble your own plans. Thanksgiving isn't only about food; it's also an opportunity to think about the positive things in your life. Of course, the food is pretty important, but a lightened-up menu can be just as delicious and give you more to be thankful for.

"It's a day to give thanks but other than that... it's not a pig-out day for me." HAPPY_IN_MY_SKIN

"I'm in charge of the cooking. My turkey will be roasted and stuffed with wild rice and brown rice, cranberries, apples and raisins. The gravy will be made with the drippings, fat taken off, mixed with orange or apple juice and thickened with a little flour. There will be pumpkin pie, but my piece will be without the crust and whipped cream. Veggies are mashed potatoes, spaghetti squash and turnips, cauliflower and a big salad with fruit." — CRYSTAL

Traveling light
Even if you're going to someone else's home for the holiday, you still have control over what, and how much, you eat. Plan ahead and bring a healthy dish with you. Your host, and your waistline, will thank you for it.

"We’re going away for Thanksgiving, but I’ll be sure to show up with a dish that will be a little more 'friendly' for people watching their weight. I’m thinking a dessert with low-fat Cool Whip, fat-free vanilla pudding and crushed pineapple over a graham wafer crust." — TRINA

"We’ll be going to my mother-in-law’s for Thanksgiving. I'll probably bring a salad since the vegetables are usually few and far between. I'm also thinking of making a crust-less pumpkin pie. I know I'll probably be the only one there who walks away from the table without that stuffed, bloated, ’I ate too much’ feeling. I won’t miss that at all!" — SANDRA

Small indulgences
Don’t deprive yourself. You really can taste everything and still avoid the traditional Thanksgiving loosening of the belt.

"Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday but I don't worry about the food side of it. It's a day, I eat what I want (within some reason) and go about my week. I might be up a pound, but it's a holiday that happens once a year. Have fun!" — GOT2BALOSER

"I will indulge in things that I wouldn’t have on a regular basis, but I will only have a little of each, like a little stuffing, and a small piece of pumpkin pie." — NANCY

"On holidays I eat what I want the most, just don't go overboard. I really watch portions and skip the things I can do without." — LIGHTHOUSE15

Get some activity in
Don’t forget, there are more ways to spend time with family on Thanksgiving than just sitting around eating. Why not go for a walk after supper, or round up a game of touch football in the afternoon?

"While the turkey is roasting, everyone goes for a two-hour hike. We’ve been doing this for years and everyone loves it!" — CRYSTAL

"Stay on track: if you look and feel good (even better than now), then you don't have to worry so much about the food. Your loss [so far] will be incentive enough to be in control." — GOLFERGIRL