Holiday Dining

Holiday Dining

By: Dr. Roger Landry, MD, MPH

Thanksgiving is upon us, and with it comes the opportunity to spend meaningful time with family and friends, to sit down and share a meal together – something that we may not do as often as we’d like given the hustle and bustle of our busy world. It gives us a chance to enjoy a dining experience that goes beyond simply the food. Rather, holiday dinners include the conversations and social connections that come from eating with others. And, it is the time of year where we take stock of all the good in our lives and express gratitude.

There is only one downside I see to this otherwise marvelous holiday … it is very easy to over-eat and under-exercise, beginning Thanksgiving and continuing into New Year’s Day. Food seems to be available at every turn, and it’s not always the healthy kind. Unfortunately, unhealthy eating can add stress and leave you not feeling your best.

I have one suggestion that I can offer. Our hands can be used as a general guide to serving sizes for a variety of foods. This can be particularly helpful when we’re dining with friends and family this season. Take a look at your hand – palm up. On it, you’ll find a “handy” guide for eating healthier-sized food portions:

• Palm = 3-5 ounces. (Serving guide for meat, poultry and fish)
• Thumb = 1 tablespoon. (Serving guide for peanut butter and salad dressing)
• Finger = 1 ounce. (Serving guide for cheese)
• Fingertip = 1 teaspoon. (Serving guide for butter and oil)

Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving! Live long. Live well!