If you’re one to go overboard on Thanksgiving (and don’t want to) these tips are as gold as a crispy Turkey.
No matter what the headlines read, Thanksgiving Day isn’t your enemy. There’s nothing wrong with eating more than you normally would on that day and indulging in your favorite Holiday foods. Life is short. You take care of your body year-round; so, by all means, take Thanksgiving Day and enjoy.
However, if you tend to go overboard and need some structure, here I share my top tips on how you can indulge on Thanksgiving Day without going completely overboard and derailing your goals.
If you’re celebrating with the regular crowd, by now you know who brings which dishes (Mom’s special cheesy potatoes, Aunt Sue’s famous pumpkin pie) so start thinking about what you’re planning on eating, or avoiding.
This is how I break it down: each meal I want a protein, a good carb, and a veggie. Thanksgiving is no different.
Protein source: Turkey—I eat the white meat. Vegetarian? Try cooking your own protein substitute for dinner.
Good-carb sources: Rice and potatoes, just beware of the butter.
Veggies sources: Green beans, corn, carrots, and peas.
Once again, it comes down to planning. Pick one dessert you are going to eat, not three. There may be a lot of choices, and they all will look yummy, but as they say, “a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips”.
It will only taste good for a moment, but you will regret eating it a lot longer than that so eat a dessert you’ll munch slowly and savor.
4 of 7
Lyudmila Mikhailovskaya / Shutterstock
Don’t Graze
Avoid nibbling on food the rest of the night (or for a few days after), and stick to your basic meal schedule. Keep your meals clean the rest of the weekend, and be sure to eat every two to three hours.
5 of 7
everst / Shutterstock
Get Moving
Take a walk after dinner, or go for a run. You’ll feel great, and it will get you out of the house and away from the all the goodies.
6 of 7
Derek Hatfield / Shutterstock
Be Strong
Watching what you eat can be a dangerous thing around family members. “You don’t need to watch what you eat,” or “Aren’t you going to try my___?”
These may be some of the things you’ll hear at the table, and you may even catch a few dirty looks, but you can kindly tell them that this is your personal choice, and explain to them why you’ve decided to make the choices you have.
It may be a learning experience for them.
7 of 7
Gorodenkoff / Shutterstock
Hit the Gym
It may be crowded at the gym the day after Thanksgiving, but it’s worth it.
Getting back on track immediately will keep you from falling off the workout wagon. Too packed in the gym for a workout? Take it outside.
Plan an outdoor workout including lots of plyos and cardio to help burn off any treats you might have consumed.
This workout will have you feeling great after Thanksgiving Day, and all you need is a mat and your gym attire.
