Thanksgiving is a mere 10 days away, and since it only comes once a year, you can splurge, right? After all, gaining weight during the holiday season is part of what it’s about. Each year most of us gain at least a pound during the holidays, and never lose it afterward.
So, this year we decided to share 6 tips for a healthy Thanksgiving so that you don’t sabotage your weight. With a little information, you can enjoy your favorites without the guilt weeks later. Besides, the only thing that should be stuffed during Thanksgiving is the turkey.
Tips For A Healthy Thanksgiving
01. Watch Your Portions
Thanksgiving tables always look great with beautiful displays of family favorites. So, before you fill your plate, take a view of the table and choose what you’re going to have. Then select reasonable sized portions for must-have foods. But don’t waste your calories on foods you generally eat all year long. Or eat snacks like pumpkins seeds- they can be addictive and you end up eating far more than you intended.
02. Police The 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.
03. Don’t Skip Breakfast
While you might think it makes sense to save up calories for the big meal, but eating a small meal in the morning can give you more control over your appetite. Start your day with a small but satisfying breakfast. For example, an egg with a slice of whole-wheat toast, or a bowl of whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk.
That way, you won’t be starving when you arrive at the gathering. Eating a nutritious meal with protein and fiber before you arrive takes the edge off your appetite. And allows you to be more discriminating in your food and beverage choices.
04. 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 the weeks ahead and especially the day of the feast.
Make fitness a family adventure. Take a walk early in the day and then again after dinner. It is a wonderful way for families to get physical activity and enjoy the holiday together.
05. Eat Slowly
Eating slowly, putting your fork down between bites, and taste each mouthful. Doing so is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your meal and feel satisfied with one plate full of food. Choosing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, salads, and other foods with lots of water and fiber add to the feeling of fullness.
06. 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. This way, at the start of the new year you will be ahead of the game. But only if you can avoid gaining any weight over the holidays.
Hopefully these 6 tips for a healthy Thankful will inspire you to focus on family as well as eat proportionately. Remember, too much of a good thing can be bad for you.
You may also enjoy reading: Is Tomato Juice Good For You?
Leave a Reply