Post-Thanksgiving Detox Diet

Did your Thanksgiving feast turn into a weekend of overeating? Then here are a few tips courtesy of fellow dietitian and author Dr. Jo to help get you back on track and navigate future holiday temptations:

• Break the fast. Skipping breakfast sounds like a good idea when you've overeaten the night before...but this only sets you up to continue this pattern of night snacking. Plus, breaking the night fast with breakfast helps to increase your metabolism!
  


• Power Up. Too many carbs during the day can cause a roller coaster reaction with your blood sugar - high, then low. That will make you feel sleepy. Add protein to your breakfast and lunch with soy protein, nuts, lean meats and cheese, eggs, and nonfat yogurt and milk.
  


• Assist Mother Nature's help. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains help to fill you up (with fewer calories than refined foods) - and help to keep you regular. Reach for 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, plus 3 servings of whole grains. Try a breakfast of oatmeal, non-fat milk, nuts - and a fresh orange. Add grilled chicken or salmon to your lunch salad. Then, snack on fruit between meals.
  


• What's in your mouth? If you find yourself tempted to keep eating past that comfortable feeling, pop some gum in your mouth. It may also help if you brush your teeth or sip on a cup of tea. Any of these can be a signal to STOP eating. See what works for you.
  


• Make it easy for you. It's hard to resist temptation when food is everywhere! Now's the time to empty your cupboards from anything that's tempting. That food gift basket? Give it to the homeless. That half a pie? If you've already had plenty and it's still "calling your name", trash it! And, if the break room at work is full of food...well, take a walk outside instead.
  


• "Waste" it or "Waist" it. Stop worrying about those starving kids in China or Africa or wherever Mom said they were! Overeating isn't going to help them! And, stop worrying about "wasting" food...if you eat it, it goes to your "waist." That extra food really does look better in the trash can than on your waist, doesn't it?
  


• Improve your mood - and your willpower. The holidays are supposed to be happy, but oftentimes it stirs up negative emotions instead. Exercise (even walking) has been shown to help people feel better. And, it's also a good way to make you feel strong - in body - and with temptations all around.