Tips For A Fitter Thanksgiving
It’s officially the holidays. And we all know what that means – family, football, and food. Lots of food. For us fitness nuts, that can be a problem though. How do we have a great holiday and stay fit? I’ve made a list of 5 simple tips to have a healthy Thanksgiving. Happy Turkey Day everybody!
- Stay Active – Don’t hang up your sneakers just because it’s the holiday. Take a morning walk to get your metabolism going and another walk after dinner. Walk with your family for some healthy bonding time. Also the more people, the harder it is to bail out! Connie Diekman, MEd, RD, former president of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) says, “’Eat less and exercise more’ is the winning formula to prevent weight gain during the holidays. Increase your steps or lengthen your fitness routine the weeks ahead and especially the day of the feast.”
- Eat Breakfast – You might think it’s better to eat nothing until dinner, but you’d be wrong. Experts say that starting your day with a small satisfying meal will help control your appetite. Include protein and fiber in your breakfast so you don’t feel hunger. Try an egg with whole-wheat toast. This way you won’t be starving at dinner and more likely to over indulge.
- Watch Your Portions – Before you start loading up your plate, take a look at the table and decide what you’re going to eat. Then take reasonable portions of those foods you can’t live without. Don’t waste your calories on food you can have all year long. Try not to have a second portion. Remember there will be leftovers and save room for dessert.
- More Water And Less Booze – While tasty, alcohol is empty calories. Not only is water much better for you, but more water will make you feel full. Try this: take a sip of water every few bites. You’ll feel fuller sooner and end up eating less.
- Make Healthier Food – Ok, this may seem obvious, but it’s essential. We all have staples that we HAVE to make every Thanksgiving. There are simple ways to make those foods healthier and still tasty. Try fat-free chicken broth to baste the turkey and make gravy. Try plain yogurt or fat-free sour cream in creamy dips, mashed potatoes, and casseroles. Greek yogurt is a great substitute. Check websites like Health.com and The Mayo Clinic for recipes.