Sometimes a Turkey Is Just a Turkey

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Every show I heard on the radio today was about food - not surprising considering Thanksgiving is just two days away. They talked about how to cook the perfect bird, what side dishes make good accompaniments, even how to smoke tofu to give it that seasonal flavor - yuck, smoked tofu???!!

For many out there, all the talk of food and the idea of those piles of food on the Thanksgiving table can be a little bit unnerving. People often categorize food as good or bad. A lot of the food that will make an appearance on your dinner table this Thursday may be categorized as "bad" and become triggers for you to overeat, or to feel guilty - anything white and starchy or sweet often makes the naughty foods list.

There is a way to prevent this, to be free to enjoy your meal, and the loved ones you share it with. There is a way you can slow things down, really taste your food and realize that food is just food, neither good nor bad in and of itself. This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to slow down and learn to eat more mindfully.

To learn to eat more mindfully, try to follow these five tips:

Eat slower

Savor the flavor

Turn off all your glowing rectangles

Pay attention to the flavor

Know your food

Read more about mindful eating in this article from registered dietitian Jenni Grover.

Happy, Healthy, Yummy Thanksgiving to you all! May your hearts be thankful and full.

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