Thanksgiving is upon us again, and while it is a day for families to gather, it’s also a day for eating. The average person will consume considerably more over Thanksgiving and often much of this is additional saturated fat and refined sugars. If you’re determined to continue on your path to fitness despite the holiday, then keep these tips in mind.
- Prepare in the Days Leading Up to Thanksgiving
The days before Thanksgiving are no time for slacking off. Stick to your exercise routine as much as possible. If holiday travel threatens this, you may have to get creative. Walk briskly around the airport terminal while waiting for a plane and make the most of the gym facilities at your hotel. Ask a fit-minded relative if you can be a guest at their gym. You have numerous options for staying fit before the holiday.
Also, pay attention to how you eat before Thanksgiving. Make certain to get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables along with lean proteins. Wise choices before the holiday often lead to smarter choices on the day itself.
- Stay Active
Just because eating is the main focus of the holiday doesn’t mean that you can’t be active. Sign up for a fun run on Thanksgiving morning. Take an early trip to the gym before the meal. Invite your family to go for a walk or a bike ride after the meal.
- Know Your Limits
With so many favorites piled on the table at one time, it’s incredibly easy to overindulge. Portion control is especially important, so survey the entire spread before putting anything on your plate. Consider choosing only items that you traditionally have on Thanksgiving but not at other times. Another strategy is to skip going back for seconds. You’ll have more leftovers for the day after and more room for pie after dinner.
- Make Lower Fat Choices
Some choices on the Thanksgiving table have less fat than others. White meat turkey is leaner than dark. Gravy that’s been de-fatted is far less likely to settle in for a long winter on your waist or thighs. Perhaps you could make roasted sweet potatoes that don’t have marshmallows. Also, try to gravitate toward plain vegetables and green salads that are naturally low in fat and high in nutritional value.
- Savor and Enjoy
Thanksgiving comes once a year, and it should be savored. As you eat, engage your family in conversation. This will not only make the meal more enjoyable, but also slow down the speed at which you eat. Eating slowly is a great technique that you can use throughout the year to help control calorie intake. That’s because it gives your stomach and brain more time to communicate about how full you are. Accordingly, slow eating often means that you won’t overindulge.
- Limit Liquid Calories
Keep in mind that sodas and alcohol will add to your calorie consumption on Thanksgiving. Limit yourself to a glass of wine with the meal, and drink water before and after. This just lets you enjoy more holiday delicacies.
If you’re looking for motivation and guidance on your journey to better health, contact NRG 4 Life Fitness to get started towards your best health.