Thanksgiving is 4 days away!! It is a wonderful time to
spend with family, friends and loved ones, but it is also an opportunity to
throw all of your fitness and healthy eating goals right out the window!
How do we do it? How do we stay on track with all that YUMMY food in our faces? Can you REALLY say no to that green bean casserole, sweet potato pie, turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and holiday cheer at the bar? Would you really enjoy your time if you sat there with a plate full of salad and a glass of water while others indulged right before your very eyes? No! And you don’t have to!! The holidays are a time to celebrate each other, celebrate family and friends and all that we are thankful for. And one of those things is our health! We have total control of what we do to our bodies and our health so keep reading and let me show you how you can indulge in holiday treats without undoing a week’s worth of progress in one sitting.
How do we do it? How do we stay on track with all that YUMMY food in our faces? Can you REALLY say no to that green bean casserole, sweet potato pie, turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and holiday cheer at the bar? Would you really enjoy your time if you sat there with a plate full of salad and a glass of water while others indulged right before your very eyes? No! And you don’t have to!! The holidays are a time to celebrate each other, celebrate family and friends and all that we are thankful for. And one of those things is our health! We have total control of what we do to our bodies and our health so keep reading and let me show you how you can indulge in holiday treats without undoing a week’s worth of progress in one sitting.
1. Quantity Does Not Equal Quality
Ok so your Great Grandma’s sweet potato pie has taken first place at the county fair 15 years in a row, but the amazing taste of all her love baked into that sugary, buttery goodness isn't any less yummy if you only have a small scoop instead of filling half your plate. Treat yourself to all of your favorite goodies this Thanksgiving, but keep in mind that the quality of the food does not increase the more you eat, and the flavor will not be any less delectable if you don't eat as much as you did last year.
2. Eat on a smaller plate
Let’s be honest, holidays make it very difficult to avoid the temptation! You fill your plate to the max with delectable goodies, savory sides and tasty treats! So instead of trying to pick and choose which dished you’re going to skip, just use a smaller plate! You can still have a little of this and a little of that, still fill up your smaller plate, but just the act of using a smaller plate alone will save you up to 500 calories from your meal!!
Let’s be honest, holidays make it very difficult to avoid the temptation! You fill your plate to the max with delectable goodies, savory sides and tasty treats! So instead of trying to pick and choose which dished you’re going to skip, just use a smaller plate! You can still have a little of this and a little of that, still fill up your smaller plate, but just the act of using a smaller plate alone will save you up to 500 calories from your meal!!
3. Put Down the Fork!
Do you start loading up your fork for the next bite while your mouth is still full of food from your last bite? If you have your mouth full of succulent turkey or fresh green beans, put your fork down. Take some time to TASTE what you are eating, ENJOY your company and have some dinner conversation. Wait to take your next bite until you’re done with the first one. This will help you to eat slower and let you to be more aware of when your body is satisfied not stuffed!!!
4. Drink Water
As you enjoy the festivities don’t forget to hydrate…with
water! I know once the day gets going it’s hard to remember simple things like
drinking water but it’s so important. I find something that REALLY helps me to
get in my daily dose is to leave a few bottles around where I know I’ll see
them. So I put one next to the coffee pot and drink it while the pot brews. Put
one on the bathroom counter and drink it while the shower warms up. Leave one
by my purse and drink it on the way to Thanksgiving dinner. Staying hydrated will help you know the
difference between actual hunger and dehydration. And this will help you make good decisions
with portions sizes. You wont load up on heaping helpings because you wont feel
starved.
5. Take a breather
So you finished your plate but now you’re eyeballing that bowl of stuffing. Take a break. Actively make a point to engage in conversation, check on the kids or simply just sit and relax. Make sure you wait five full minutes before you reach for seconds. And while you’re taking a break really tune into your body and what you’re feeling. Are you just wanting more because it “tastes” good or “smells” good or do you really feel hungry for more? Keep in mind that you still have dessert and coffee coming up so help clear the table, go for a walk or get a game of football started out on the lawn!
So you finished your plate but now you’re eyeballing that bowl of stuffing. Take a break. Actively make a point to engage in conversation, check on the kids or simply just sit and relax. Make sure you wait five full minutes before you reach for seconds. And while you’re taking a break really tune into your body and what you’re feeling. Are you just wanting more because it “tastes” good or “smells” good or do you really feel hungry for more? Keep in mind that you still have dessert and coffee coming up so help clear the table, go for a walk or get a game of football started out on the lawn!
BUT, just in case you did blow it a little bit over the holiday you still have time to get it back in order before New Years!
I am hosting a 21 day Healthy for the Holidays accountability group to keep you on track! I'll teach you tips just like the ones above to help you stay focused with balance.
There is just something about having support that makes all the difference in the world!!!
To connect on Facebook please send me a friend request, I'd love to help you on your health and fitness journey!
