Surviving Thanksgiving

According to Wordnet.com:

The noun pecan pie has one meaning:
Meaning #1: pie made of pecans and sugar and corn syrup and butter and eggs

That right there almost says it all.

Until you read on dietbites.com that pecan pie is "[v]ery high in fat and sodium. Some pecan pies will cost you up to 800 calories per slice - so read those labels and calculate the calories in your homemade recipes."

Remember, dieting isn't about denial. It's about making healthier choices and developing a healthier life style. When faced with a feast, or a whole holiday based on a feast, try these simple tips:

1. Use a smaller plate. Studies have shown that larger plates lead to larger portion sizes, and people tend to eat most if not all of what is on their plates.

2. Fill your plate with color! Choose a rainbow of vegetables. Neutral plate (brown gravy, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes...)? Brighten it up with green beans, squash, spinach, yams (minus the marshmellows!).

3. Slow down. Let others start eating before you. When you do start eating, eat slowly. Savor your food. Enjoy the meal. Enjoy your company. Celebrate not only the food, but the holiday and the great company of your friends and family.

4. Stop eating when you're full. Remember, it takes about 15 minutes after you're actually full for the feeling to register. So when you feel full STOP.

5. If you must have dessert, give yourself a smaller portion. At a restaurant, share the dessert with one or more people. If other people are going back for seconds, sip a cup of coffee or tea, or, better yet, give your hostess a hand and offer to help her in the kitchen.