Five Tips to having a Fun Keto Thanksgiving
With the holidays around the corner, those of us adopting a keto lifestyle may be a little bit nervous. For some, it’s our first time experiencing the holidays while on this low carb diet. With the holidays full of sweets and treats, Shapely has some tips that you may find useful.
1. Find out what’s on the menu. If you’re preparing the food then you can skip this step. If you’re not, get in contact with the person(s) who is/are and ask questions. By doing so, you will already have a good idea as to what will be available to you. Don’t be afraid to let people know your dietary preferences. I’m the type of person that will cook to accommodate people who are coming however, not everyone is willing to do so but it doesn’t hurt to see if the person(s) doing the cooking will make modifications.
2. Prepare a low-carb option. Once you find out what’s on the menu, prepare to replace what you can with a low-carb option. I attend a good number of events and I always show up with my “Keto Bag”. In this bag I have my skinny syrups and my choc zero syrups which would be perfect to sweeten things like eggnog. If I’m going to a friend’s house, I may even bring my own dessert and/or low-carb starch options. I recommend informing the host so he/she is not offended. Hopefully if you completed step one, then you would have already had the keto-friendly conversation.
Photo Credit: cutdacarb.com
3. Do not lead yourself into temptation. Yes, the stuffing and mac and cheese look amazing but ask yourself, is your want bigger than your reason? What does that mean? Chances are you’ve adopted the keto diet for a reason. Is your desire for that stuffing and/or mac and cheese bigger than the reason you began? Chances are it isn’t. Continue to remind yourself of your want and the temptation may fade.
4. Have an accountability partner. I’m that type of friend that will ask my other friends not to let me eat this or eat that and if I’m going for it, remind me why I shouldn’t. I do suggest assigning this task to a friend whose delivery is compatible with your emotional needs. If you are the type that doesn’t like to be yelled at, skip the loud friend.
5. Let loose and have a good time. The benefit of the keto diet is the high fat component. According to Earth Sky, fat concentrates smells and flavors in food. It gives food a smooth creamy texture that most of us enjoy. Since fat gives us more energy than proteins or carbohydrates, it makes us feel full faster. This makes our brains release hormones that makes us feel content. Bottom line is humans derive great pleasure from fatty foods which is why I believe I have acclimated well to this adjustment. Yes, you’ll be missing some things, however what you can eat should be a suitable enough to provide you with all the satiated feelings you would normally have around the holidays.
In short, the holiday season doesn't have to be one that makes you anxious as you keep inline with you keto lifestyle. I hope these tips help you at the dining table and please share your own keto tips below.
