It’s almost Turkey Day ladies and gents! While you’re giving thanks and spending time with the people you love DON’T be like the average American and pack on unneeded pounds – you’re better than that 🙂
Here’s my top 10 list to keep your weight in check on Turkey Day…
- Wake up and work out. I like to think of this as “putting a credit on my account.” Since I know there will be lots of irresistible food coming my way, I do at least 1 hour of cardio on Thanksgiving morning. Lots of my NYC and Dallas fitness instructor friends are holding special thanksgiving day classes, so do some research the day before and prepare to attend one! You can also do the GRIT by Brit Ultimate body burn DVD 😉
- Eat breakfast. It’s natural to want to sleep in on your day off and “save room” for the big Thanksgiving meal, but doing so will make you binge because you are so hungry. Go ahead and eat some oatmeal, fruit or protein in the morning to keep you from inhaling food later on.
- Drink up before you eat up. As always, hydration is key on Thanksgiving day and on any day. Drinking a liter of water before your big Turkey dinner will make you feel full and keep you from over eating.
- Fellowship first. Be sure to chat and spend quality time with your family and loved ones before devouring your food. Enjoy your total holiday experience not just your meal.
- Be “grateful” without a “plate full.” Instead of loading up huge servings sizes, go for quality over quantity. Try small portions of a variety of foods and really savor the taste.
- Color is King. Make sure that your plate is colorful! These means it should have lots of veggies on it: green beans & sweet potatoes are excellent. They are full of fiber and nutrients, will digest easier and satisfy you longer.
- Enjoy the rare stuff. Don’t get full on rolls, chips and dips and other foods you can have every other day of the year. Instead, enjoy those one-of-a-kind holiday foods. Eat them slowly and enjoy every bite 🙂
- STOP when you’re full. Keep in mind that your stomach is the size of your fist. Don’t hurt it and over expand it by simply eating too much.
- Enjoy some “tea time.” Sip hot tea (preferably green tea) after your meal to help aid digestion and also to keep you from going back for seconds out of boredom or convenience.
- GIVE THANKS. Because life is good and a joyful spirit is good for your health!
