Enjoy the holiday feast without the guilt -- or the weight gain
Thanksgiving only comes around once a year, so why not go ahead and splurge? Because gaining weight during the holiday season is a national pastime. Year after year, most of us pack on at least a pound (some gain more) during the holidays -- and keep the extra weight permanently.
But Thanksgiving does not have to sabotage your weight. With a little know-how, you can satisfy your desire for traditional favorites and still enjoy a guilt-free Thanksgiving feast. After all, being stuffed is a good idea only if you are a turkey!
1. Eat Breakfast
While you might think it makes sense to save up calories for the big meal, eating a small meal in the morning can give you more control over your appetite. Start your day with a small but satisfying breakfast so you won't be starving when you arrive at the gathering.
2. Police Your Portions
Thanksgiving tables are bountiful and beautiful displays of traditional family favorites. Before you fill your plate, survey the buffet table and decide what you're going to choose. Then select reasonable-sized portions of foods you cannot live without.
Don't waste your calories on foods that you can have all year long. Fill your plate with small portions of holiday favorites that only come around once a year so you can enjoy desirable, traditional foods.
- Skip the Seconds.
Try to resist the temptation to go back for second helpings.
Leftovers are much better the next day, and if you limit yourself to one plate, you are less likely to overeat and have more room for a delectable dessert.
4. Slowly Savor
Eating slowly, putting your fork down between bites, and tasting each mouthful is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your meal and feel satisfied with one plate full of food. Choosing fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, salads, and other foods with lots of water and fiber add to the feeling of fullness.
Spread out the food and fun all day long.
5. Go Easy on Alcohol
Don't forget those alcohol calories that can add up quickly.
Have a glass of wine or a wine spritzer and between alcoholic drinks enjoy sparkling water, this way you stay hydrated, limit alcohol calories, and stay sober.
6. Be Realistic
The holiday season is a time for celebration. With busy schedules and so many extra temptations, this is a good time to strive for weight maintenance instead of weight loss.
Shift from a mindset of weight loss to weight maintenance. You will be ahead of the game if you can avoid gaining any weight over the holidays.
7. Focus on Family and Friends
Thanksgiving is not just about the delicious bounty of food. It's a time to celebrate relationships with family and friends.
The main event should be family and friends socializing, spending quality time together, not just what is on the buffet.
8. Get Active
Create a calorie deficit by exercising to burn off extra calories before you ever indulge in your favorite foods.
‘Eat less and exercise more' is the winning formula to prevent weight gain during the holidays. Increase your steps or lengthen your fitness routine ahead of your Thanksgiving Day feast.
Do you need that extra support to get you moving? Join the TEAM at Accelerate for a FREE community “Thin for Thanksgiving” Fitness Boot Camp. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, November 24th, the day before Thanksgiving, at 5:00pm at Eden United Church of Christ in the Fellowship Hall. We encourage you to get out, get active, and stay committed to your health!
Please RSVP by calling the studio at 618-307-9000 or by email at info@acceleratehealthfitness.com
