Here’s some serious food for thought: We typically consume3,000 to 5,000 calories around the Thanksgiving table. Yikes. While eating celebratory meals and treats happens often during the holidays, that doesn’t mean we have to give up on good health. Check out my tips for a fit and healthy holiday. Tip number 1. Don’t sacrifice flavor or fun. Absolutely participate but do it in a mindful way.
Movement
Skip crowding around the TV and try to fit in some movement or family fit activity (the more the merrier!).
Enjoy Nature
Go for a walk or run to enjoy some pre-event alone time, or grab your favorite cousin to catch up. More competitive, round up a group of family or friends and hit the backyard or local park for some flag football.
Short on time? 20 minutes will do…
Don’t have an hour? Don’t worry. Try an at-home circuit workout, Tabata training, or a Greatist Workout of the Day. It only takes 20 minutes (or less!) to get in a good workout.
Chores Add Up
Everyday chores ( tidying up the family room) can burn more calories than you’d think. So offer to do the dishes or vacuum the floor—your helping out the hostess and bonus…it gets you moving too!
Hey Macarena!
Nothing says family fun more than a dance party. Gather your gang, turn up the tunes, and get the blood pumping. It just may help you digest all that stuffing too. Be silly, have fun.
Find a turkey trot.
Run a race Thanksgiving morning! Find a Turkey trot in your town (they range from a totally doable one-mile to 10K), This is my favorite tradition we started oh so many years ago. Not everyone in the family participates, some sleep in of course. Be prepared these races are often more of a social pace than a race. Lots of families participate together. It’s a truly great way to start the day.
Let’s Talk about FOOD
Before heading to the kitchen, keep these tips in mind to enjoy the festive food without going overboard.
Eat Breakfast like any other day
Skipping breakfast in order to “save your appetite” for the BIG MEAL isn’t the best idea. Not breaking the fast until the afternoon may lead to binging later on. If you are starving when you sit down to the meal, your bound to overeat.
Hydrate.
Make sure to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Not drinking enough H2O could spark hunger pangs, which may actually just be thirst.
Skip the APPS
Little pre-meal snacks happen any day of the year. Save your appetite (and calorie consumption!) for the main event.
Use a smaller plate.
Stick all those Thanksgiving sides on a smaller plate. Research shows it’ll help you eat fewer calories, while a bigger plate will ensure you eat more than your should. Because let’s face it some of us love this all those wonderful sides.
Chew slowly.
Research says How fast we eat really does matter. Chewing slowly will ensure your stomach has time to tell your brain it’s full before you eat too much. Be mindful when sitting down to eat and chew your food slowly.
Liquid calories add up fast.
Calories from alcohol can and do sneak up on us during the holidays. Go easy and stick to healthier options like vodka soda or Bloody Mary to avoid excess sugar. OR just skip the alcohol altogether.
Skip the seconds
Skip seconds, instead opt to save some food for leftovers—the best part about Thanksgiving, right?
Don’t deny dessert.
The holidays shouldn’t be about restricting certain foods—enjoy them in moderation! IF you must… have one small slice of pie and be done with it. Enjoy it and don’t beat yourself up about it.
Happiness
Overdosing on family and food can be stressful. To stay rested, calm and in control remember to: Breath! Inhale, Exhale, Here are some ways to feel rested, calm, and in control.
Meditate.
Whether enduring too much family time or unable to resist eating a whole pumpkin pie (we get it), meditation can help lower stress levels. All you need is a few minutes and a quiet corner.
At the end of the day, Thanksgiving should be enjoyed with loved ones. Don’t stress about enjoying some good food with even better company!
Wishing you all a safe and happy thanksgiving day.