It happens every year. Halloween candy is just the teaser. Then Thanksgiving seems to be the time when diet and exercise programs, and our healthy habits, are lost. What can we do?
Let’s start by being realistic. Thanksgiving is the time when most people are going to really blow it on their diets. But that doesn’t mean you need to let this one holiday get the best of your health habits.
It’s probably not realistic to think you are going to stick with a strict diet over the Thanksgiving holiday, and that's fine. So what can you do to offset that overindulgence? Two things: burn extra calories before Thanksgiving to give you a cushion and keep things in check just a bit during the Thanksgiving feast.
First, burning extra calories. Here are a few simple things you can do:
- If you have a workout routine- try adding a few minutes of walking or other cardiovascular exercise in there between now and Thanksgiving.. If you don’t have a workout routine, a simple daily walk is a great thing to start.
- You can also burn extra calories during your daily routine byt taking the stairs instead of elevator, walking during lunch, parking farther away from office or errands, and walking in place while watching television.
The more you move the more you burn. So start now! Here are some eating strategies to keep in mind for Thanksgiving Day:
- Don’t come to Thanksgiving dinner with an empty stomach. Try to eat meals that are consistent with your diet earlier in the day. The less hungry you are, the less you will be tempted to eat.
- Instead of trying to limit yourself to one serving, take a small serving so you can have seconds.
- Fill up on things like turkey, vegetables or other dishes that are close to your diet.
- Prioritize your desserts. Allow yourself to have dessert, but stop and think for just a moment. "What do I really like and where do I want to spend my calories?" Don’t just fill up the plate. If you like everything, take small portions of everything.
- Try to take a brief walk before Thanksgiving dinner and a short walk afterwards.
Let’s put this into some perspective. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time and, as with each of the holidays, indulging a bit is not terrible if you have a plan to stay on track. You’ve got time to burn those extra calories and you now have a plan for Thanksgiving Day.
Enjoy the holiday!
*The information contained in these articles is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always ask your physician or other qualified health professional about any matter concerning your individual health. Always seek the advice of your physician prior to starting or changing any medical treatment. Nothing contained in these answers is intended for medical diagnoses or treatment purposes.