Most of you who know me, know that I am an empathetic trainer. I know what it’s like to want beer and pizza on the weekends. I know what it’s like to not want to exercise even though you know you should. I know that holidays bring not only joy but anxiety too. I also know that a quick google search for tips for a healthy Thanksgiving results in a lot of crap “normal” people would never do! Are you really going to say no to the Pumpkin Roll you crave all year in order to save a few calories? I’m not, so why would I expect my clients to??? I don’t. But what I do expect is they will follow the tips I’ve listed below to make this Thanksgiving the best it can be for your mind and body.
1. Don’t skip breakfast
Although it might make sense in your head to “save” your calories for that turkey dinner, don’t. If you skip breakfast, you are just setting yourself up to overeat at dinner. Have a small, healthy breakfast that is heavy on protein to keep you full and satisfied.
2. Workout in the morning
Getting a workout in before the day starts will set you up for success. Not only will you be less inclined to stuff yourself because you remember how hard you worked that morning but you will have also burned 200-400 calories! So get off your butt and either get a vigorous cardio workout in at the gym or grab a relative and go for a speed walk around the neighborhood!
3. Eat slowly
Don’t eat like there is going to be a famine! Take your time and let 20 minutes pass before you even think about seconds!
4. Be careful of liquid calories
Now don’t get me wrong…I will definately be indulging in a few alcoholic beverages tomorrow. I don’t expect that you won’t have a few drinks but I will expect that you take a look at this website to give you an idea of how many calories that Blue Moon beer has (164!)!
5. Enjoy yourself
Holidays are a time to spend with loved ones not about gorging yourself on food all day. I know sometimes its hard to tell the difference especially if you are trying to hide from Uncle Bill and all of his questions about your personal life! So, take a deep breath and not a handful of dinner rolls and enjoy the time with family…after all, it only happens a few times a year.