Thanksgiving only comes around once a year, so why not act and splurge? Because gaining weight during the vacation season could be a national pastime. Year after year, most people put on a minimum of a pound (some gain more) during the vacations — and keep the additional weight permanently. But this doesn’t mean Thanksgiving doesn’t sabotage your weight! With these tips, you’ll satisfy your desire for traditional favorites and still enjoy a guilt-free Thanksgiving feast. After all, being stuffed may be a good idea, well that is if you are a Turkey! Kidding aside here are some tips that can help you be thankful and not gain any excess weight:
1. Determine to keep an active lifestyle. While you eat you need to sweat the excess out. So, exercise is the key! Eating less and exercising more is the best combination to keep off those vacation weights from invading your body. Vary your exercise routine and make it more rigorously during the days when Thanksgiving is fast approaching. Make fitness a family adventure. Take a walk early within the day and so again after dinner. it’s an exquisite way for families to induce physical activity and revel in the vacation together. Of course, do maintain social distancing.
2. Choose healthily! The key is to prepare and plan for a healthier alternative to your family’s traditional buffet during this holiday. Try using fat-free chicken stock to baste the turkey and make gravy. Use sugar substitutes in preparing your mouth-watering treats. Plain yogurt or fat-free soured cream are great options for dips, mashed potatoes, and casseroles.
3. Resist going back for another round. Leftovers are far better the subsequent day, and if you limit yourself to 1 plate, you’re less likely to overeat and have more room for a tasty dessert. Choose the best holiday food among all that is served. The best route is white turkey meat, plain vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, thin gravy, and pie. This combination is truly low calorie and low fat.
4. Limit your alcohol intake. Remember alcohol calories add up pretty easily without you noticing it. Have a glass of wine or a wine spritzer and between alcoholic drinks, enjoy drinking water. In this manner, you stay hydrated and will help limit alcohol calories and help you stay sober.
5. Remain realistic. The thanksgiving season may be a time for celebration. With busy schedules and then many extra temptations, this is often an honest time to strive for weight maintenance rather than weight loss. Do not set unrealistic expectations you can’t keep, especially when presented with sumptuous delights!
Above all, the most important thing to remember is that Thanksgiving isn’t just about the delicious bounty of food. It’s a time for celebration. Celebrate relationships with family and friends and bonds growing stronger over the years. There may be some adjustment and restrictions to this year’s festivities but we must maintain the thankful attitude and remember the true meaning behind the celebration because there are so many things to be thankful for.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
