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.
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!!
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 now that you know you don’t have to miss out
on all the fun and moderation is the key to success, you can relax this
Thanksgiving and stay on track! Enjoy your healthy holidays!!!
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!
