Surviving Thanksgiving Gluttony

By Ellie Marrandette

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. What other holiday focuses on eating more than this one? Therefore, what better verse for Thanksgiving than this:

“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” (Proverbs 23:20-21)

It’s common knowledge that people gain at least ten pounds between Halloween and New Year’s. Now string that out to the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day, not to mention the playoff games and we pile on additional poundage! Then by next spring, when one’s clothes don’t fit anymore, it’s one of those “well, it seemed like a good idea at the time” regrettable moments.

Think about this: all social activities today, (including church functions) seem to focus on an abundance of food. It should be about celebrating God, family, and friends, with food as a side dish, not the main course.

Why do our good intentions of maintaining control, go by the wayside, especially at Thanksgiving? We gorge ourselves on sweet potato casserole, stuffing, Aunt Esmerelda’s cranberry relish, and pies galore! Even leftovers are special on Thanksgiving! When is enough, enough?

Realize that this day is special but we still should maintain discipline. But Ellie, you ask, that’s easier said than done. How do I do that and not feel deprived?     

Here are some practical, specific practices you can incorporate this Thanksgiving.

1. “Smoosh” out (that’s the technical term) your selections on your plate. Mentally it seems there is more than you have. Plus, no one will ask, “Is that all you’re eating???”
2. At home beforehand use a measuring cup to visualize sizes before spooning out choices. You don’t have to do this continually, but it’s a good reference.
3. Make this holiday a social occasion and not an eating occasion. Enjoy fellowship and stretch out the meal.
4. Sit with your back to the food. If your family serves buffet style, place tastes of items on your plate. When done, remove your plate (or yourself) so you aren’t tempted.
5. Drink only water with lemon with your meal and save calories! A 5ounce glass of wine has 125 calories. Soft drinks are empty calories with no redeemable value.
6. Remember to chew your food slowly while consuming quality nutrients. It takes twenty minutes for one’s brain to recognize its stomach is full.
7. Take a brisk walk after dinner. The fresh air will invigorate metabolism and burn calories.

What to choose?

Turkey is a lean protein with approximately 118 calories for a 4-ounce serving. Lots of B vitamins, and an enormous amount of minerals including selenium. Turkey creates serotonin, making us happier. Cut a serving into smaller pieces, eat slowly, and enjoy!

Want stuffing or mashed potatoes and gravy? Enjoy either or both: 1/4 cup of stuffing is 90 calories, 1/4 cup of mashed potatoes is 80, and a drizzle of gravy over both is about 65. A 1/4 cup of sweet potato casserole (without brown sugar and marshmallows) is 95.

Your plate is already getting full!

Now you need veggies. Select non-starchy vegetables: steamed broccoli, cauliflower, or green beans at 35 calories per 1/2 cup, (not the 225- green bean calorie casserole!) An entire cup of garden salad is 50 calories, and a drizzle of 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil and apple cider or balsamic vinegar with herbs at 60 calories. There are also relishes like olives, pickles, and raw vegetables. All nutritiously sound.

Cranberry sauce is surprisingly high in calories. A jellied sliver, 1/4 inch thick has 110 calories. Your choice: Is it worth it or would you rather have dessert? You’re in control of your decisions. Feel empowered yet?

A dinner roll has 80 calories, but sop up the gravy instead of buttering it, and you’ll save 60 calories towards dessert. Again, consciously make the choice, “this or that.”

Without dessert, the caloric count of that Thanksgiving meal could total well over 1,500 calories, depending on your drink selections. Normally someone would only consume 1400 to 2,500 calories daily depending on one’s weight.

Relax – it’s a special day, enjoy the bounty. Don’t get discouraged. God’s only rule is that He doesn’t want you idolizing food!

“whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things” (Philippians 3:19)

Imagine our Lord smeared with your sinful gluttony on the cross. Powerful right? Gluttony is sin. Seems ridiculous to choose mashed potatoes over Christ, but isn’t that what we’re doing if we lose control? Love and honor Him instead of food.

Dessert, anyone? You’re already stuffed so wait a few hours to eat dessert.  Choose pumpkin pie today. A 1/8 slice of pumpkin is 200 calories, apple is about 410 calories, and pecan 480 calories, (with a touch of canned whipped cream, increases it by 25 calories. ½ cup of vanilla ice cream is 75.)

How can you honor your bodily temple and still enjoy the holiday festivities? Try to keep in mind what is most important. Enjoy the company and don’t stress. God supplies Bountiful Blessings; recall today all He gave you and be thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

After attending Graham Jr. College in Boston and Moody Bible College, Ellie Marrandette earned her Bachelor of Ministry (BMIN) from Trinity Theological Seminary. Fascinated by psychology and physiology, God directed Ellie toward a rewarding healthcare career. She became a licensed, certified nutritional counselor, working with doctors, nutritional centers, and independently as the founder of New Creations Ministries, a faith-based solution in overcoming health challenges.

In recent years, God has focused Ellie’s path toward writing. She is the author of four Christian novels, a novella, and a non-fiction book on healthy living entitled, Life’s Too Short to Eat Bad Cheese (Nutritional and Life Lessons God Teaches Us.) All can be found Here. Her current endeavor is to complete a children’s devotional this year.

For more about Ellie Marrandette visit her New Creations website.  

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