Coppell Trainer Tip – Thanksgiving Healthy Tips
Thanksgiving Tips – Simple Tips For A Healthy Thanksgiving
Do you know that the average Thanksgiving dinner has over 2000 calories? It can be a real challenge if you are watching your waistline. The following are some eating tips so that you can still look good and be healthy after the Thanksgiving dinner without having to deprive yourself.
Get Active
Create a calorie deficit by exercising to burn off extra calories before you ever indulge in your favorite foods. If you are in the Coppell (or Dallas) area, there is a lot of great fitness events. The Turkey Trot is one that thousands of people go to each year. The Coppell Thanksgiving Turkey Busting Workout is another great event to burn off some thanksgiving calories. Make fitness a family adventure by getting some exercise in early in the day and taking a walk later in the day.
Eat Breakfast While you might think it makes sense to save up calories for the big meal, experts say eating a small meal in the morning can give you more control over your appetite. Start your day with a small but satisfying breakfast — such as an egg with a slice of whole-wheat toast, or a bowl of whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk — so you won’t be starving when you arrive at the gathering.
Drink Plenty of Water – Water throughout the day and especially a big glass before the big meal will help with you digestion and also portions.
Lighten Up – There is more fat, sugar and calories that what is really needed in most of the Thanksgiving recipes. Find one of the many healthy recipes online that can help you lighten your load while still tasting great.
Some suggestions:
Use fat-free chicken broth to baste the turkey and make gravy.
Use sugar substitutes in place of sugar and/or fruit purees instead of oil in baked goods.
Reduce oil and butter wherever you can.
Try plain yogurt or fat-free sour cream in creamy dips, mashed potatoes, and casseroles.
Police Your Portions
Thanksgiving tables are bountiful and beautiful displays of traditional family favorites. Before you fill your plate, survey the buffet table and decide what you’re going to choose. Then select reasonable-sized portions of foods you cannot live without. These will mostly be the traditional foods that you normally don’t eat. For foods you to eat year round, try skipping them.
Skip the Seconds
Try to resist the temptation to go back for second helpings. As most of you know, your body responds better to eat smaller meals throughout the day. Try making that second plate and putting it in the refrigerator until two to three hours later. This will also allow you to enjoy your desert more since your stomach won’t be so huge.
Choose the Best Bets on the Buffet.
While each of us has our own favorites, keep in mind that some holiday foods are better choices than others. Try going for the white turkey meat, plain vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, defatted gravy, and pumpkin pie. If you keep your portions small, these foods will be your best bet.
Slowly Savor
Eating slowly, putting your fork down between bites, and tasting each mouthful is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your meal and feel satisfied with one plate full of food, experts say. Choosing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, salads, and other foods with lots of water and fiber add to the feeling of fullness.
Go Easy on Alcohol
Don’t forget those alcohol calories that can add up quickly.
Be Realistic
The holiday season is a time for celebration. With busy schedules and so many extra temptations, this is a good time to strive for weight maintenance instead of weight loss.
Focus on Family and Friends
Thanksgiving is not just about the delicious bounty of food. It’s a time to celebrate relationships with family and friends.
