The Villages Daily Sun

THE VILLAGES — Remember last Thanksgiving, when you promised yourself you’d never eat that much turkey again?

Or perhaps it was pumpkin pie, dressing, corn casserole or some other wonderful homemade recipe handed down from your grandmother.

In any case, you put on your favorite pair of pants the next week (after days of gorging on leftovers) only to realize that the waistband was a little snug.

Then, of course, you wondered what in the world possessed you to eat that much food.

Relax. It’s the holidays. Everyone should have the chance to eat those delectable favorites that make an appearance on your dining room table only once a year.

But there is a way to enjoy those goodies while also saving yourself the unwelcome weight gain. All you have to do is listen to the pros.

Jeff Wittman, a nutritionist at Lake Nutrition Center, said the key to eating any holiday meal is watching portion intake.

“Don’t go buy a 16-pound turkey,” he said, referring to a family of two or three who expect to eat that entire bird over the course of the weekend.

Wittman added that he would like to stop those people in their tracks at the turkey freezer of the grocery store and ask them about their “monster” turkey.

“Turkey leftovers should be done by Saturday,” Wittman said.

He suggests filling up on those foods that are healthier and can be eaten in larger portions — such as vegetables. That way, when dessert comes around, you won’t feel you have much room to spare.

Also, Wittman warns, “Do not use the excuse that it’s a holiday.”

According to the nutritionist, many people decide that overeating is acceptable simply because of the special occasion. And perhaps that’s as good an excuse as any. But the repercussions may have you singing a different tune come time for New Year’s resolutions.

So, what to do if you absolutely cannot resist that extra piece of pie? That’s where exercise comes into play.

Wittman strongly suggests maintaining an exercise routine, even when family members are visiting. Use that opportunity to include loved ones in your regimen, if possible, he said.

Kristin Coleman of The Villages Wellness Center also urges residents to not forego their exercise routine. The trick to actually being able to enjoy your meal is, she said, to “make sure you’re burning as much as you eat.”

And this fitness expert sees no reason to skip your favorite treats.

“Eat everything,” she said. “But (only) have a little bit of everything. Moderation is really the key.”

Bob Mentel, a Village of Woodbury resident, wasn’t worried about eating too much on Thanksgiving Day.

“We all will overeat a little,” he said.

Mentel, who said he weighs about 20 pounds less now than he did in 1955, works out at the Wellness Center three days a week in addition to exercising at home.

“I keep fairly active for an old man,” he said with a laugh.

And over the holidays, he plans to maintain his current routine — no more and no less.

Paul Kowalski, a Village of Rio Grande resident, recently undertook a challenging workout regimen. And he has a good plan behind his good intentions.

“I thought I would lose some (weight) so that if I gained it (over the holidays) it wouldn’t be noticeable,” he said. “I’m not really on any particular diet.”

However, just as the experts suggest, Kowalski plans to “curb some portions.”

Daisy Moon is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9067, or daisy.moon@thevillagesmedia.com.