It’s 7 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving. Hopefully you didn’t have to work today. What with all that eating and drinking you probably did yesterday, getting up early to go to work today would be work in itself! But, if you did have to get up to report to work, I’m hoping my tips will make it just a little bit easier for you today.
Right about now the last thing in your mind is food. But, if you’re like me, then you’re thinking about the awesome dressing you pretty much inhaled yesterday! Your tummy is saying, “I want more!” Chances are you overdid it yesterday and there’s no sense in beating yourself today for it. But you probably should not give in to the craving either.
I love coffee and that is my first intake of the day. A nice hot and aromatic cup of joe! Once I’m up and running everything else seems to fall into place. Here is a guideline of what my day after Thanksgiving looks like in order to help me get back on my normal eating habits without making myself crazy trying to figure out how to undue what I did.
Morning
After my cup of coffee I will indulge in a small bowl of oatmeal with cranberries and nuts. Now, you might think, carbs so early already, well we need the fuel and this is one healthy way of getting it without busting into a plate of french toast!
- 1 cup instant Oatmeal (I use Quaker)
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup half/half
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup Pecans or Walnuts
Mix the oatmeal and hot water and let sit for 3-5 minutes. Meanwhile, place your nuts in a small pan with cooking spray and “roast” at medium-high heat. Be careful not to burn them. The smell of roasted nuts will let you know they’re done. Add the rest of the ingredients, mix and enjoy!
This is by far my go-to morning breakfast. High in protein and fiber, stops cravings and keeps you satisfied longer. A great way to start off your day. And if you’re heading out to do some serious shopping, take along a banana to snack on. It’s another healthy and satisfying food. A banana will improve your depressed mood after overeating the day before and pack on some energy!
Lunch
If you must have lunch at the local bistro try to to order a “small” plate of salad. These days restaurants offer smaller servings instead of the heartier size you may get at dinner and forgo any bread, not necessary. Also, skip their dressing altogether, opt for oil and vinegar and sprinkle on carefully. If you’re already back at home after shopping or you never left the house, this is my recommendation, a turkey sandwich.
- 1-2 slices white meat turkey, no skin
- 1 Tablespoon mayonnaise or mustard
- 1 slice havarti cheese
- 2 slices all grain sandwich bread (I use Arnold)
- 1 large lettuce leaf
This is another of my favorite go-to meals. Simple, delicious and sooo good for you! Using the turkey leftover is always a great idea. Skip the cranberry sauce and use either mayo or mustard, whichever you prefer. The whole grains and lettuce add texture and fiber and the cheese is so tasty that you can go without a dressing if you wanted to. Enjoy!
By mid afternoon or early evening things start to get a little tricky. You’ve been good all day and now you’re craving sweets and more comfort food. Do not despair!
If you can, try to stick with the leftovers you already have. Limit the quantity as best you can and drinks lots of water in between. But if you don’t have any leftovers or you just don’t want to have the same stuff again or you don’t want to cook, who does after all that cooking yesterday anyway, here is my menu: order out!
Dinner for you and the family
- 1 large cheese Pizza with grilled chicken or turkey breast and tomatoes
- ceasar salad (no croutons, dressing on the side)
Limit your intake of a slice or maybe two, depending on how big they are and a small bowl of salad. And if your sweet tooth just isn’t giving up, indulge in a small slice of pumpkin pie instead of the pecan and have it with some green tea and enjoy a great classic movie with your loved ones by the fire!
Hopefully these tips will get you back on track with your eating habits or help you start a new one. If you have any tips of your own and would like to share them with me, please feel free to comment.
