Thanksgiving SURVIVAL Tips

What do most people think when Thanksgiving rolls around?  Most likely, the first three words that come to people’s mind are “LOTS OF FOOD!” Many times we are stuck in situations where we don’t have a choice in what we get to eat such as Thanksgiving, for example, but there is a way to get through the holidays without sabotaging our fitness goals. Here are just a few things you need to consider before you go into “survival mode.”

First, you need to consider that this is just one meal, so it will be okay if you indulge a little and within reason, of course.  The thing that is not ok is using this dinner as an excuse to eat the same way through the New Year.  As soon as Thanksgiving dinner is over, go back to your normal healthy eating habits.  One other thing to keep in mind is that Thanksgiving is not only about food, but it’s about spending time with family as well.  Put more emphasis on spending time with your family instead of the food.  This will help keep you distracted from the food and keep your eating habits on the right path. 

Of course this is just one meal, but it doesn’t mean that we still can’t make healthy choices.  Here are a few ideas you can do to survive Thanksgiving:

1. Instead of going for the dark meat stick to the light meat when it comes to turkey.  The light meat is leaner while the dark meat contains more fat, thus more calories.
2. Try to stay away from the finger food table.  Hanging around the table and munching until dinner is ready will add so many more calories to an already high calorie day!
3. When you are full STOP EATING! Listen and pay attention to your body!  Eating slowly and drinking a lot of water during the dinner will help you recognize a full stomach.
4. Don’t starve yourself before dinner; this will make you want to eat more than you should.  Stay on schedule with your eating habits.
5.  Try a small serving of everything; don’t just indulge in large calorie helpings that you don’t usually eat.
6.  Drink alcohol in moderation or don’t drink any at all. Not only will alcohol add to your calorie intake for the day, but it also lowers inhibitions and will make you justify that third serving of pumpkin pie.
7.  Most importantly, it is ok to say no to seconds.  People will understand.  JUST SAY NO!

HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!