Thanksgiving Survival Guide
Thanksgiving Survival Guide
How to survive Thanksgiving without feeling deprived, over stuffed, or exhausted!
The average American will consume a whopping 3,000 calories on Thanksgiving- for dinner alone. Drinks, desserts and appetizers can bring the total calorie count to 4,500! By taking control of your holiday eating and fitting in a little extra movement, you are more likely to keep those extra pounds away.
There is no need to lose sight of your health and fitness goals this Thanksgiving weekend. Figure out your strategy now, and when the festivities start, just work the plan!
Follow the 80/20 rule- Focus on your goals and follow your nutrition and exercise plan 80% of the time. When you're staying on track regularly those times when you have a cheat meal or glass of wine won't be so detrimental to your results.
Keep moving- Staying active will keep your metabolism and energy levels up. It will set you up for success the rest of the day! Chose an activity the whole family can participate in, such as, signing up for a 5K or playing football in the back yard.
Pick one meal- Resist the temptation to indulge ALL day. Chose your favorite gathering with the best food. If you splurge heavily one meal, take it easy the rest of the day and weekend.
Make a plan- Chose 1-2 "must haves". If you can't resist your mom's stuffing but don't love mashed potatoes, then allow yourself a serving. Skip the mashed potatoes and enjoy the stuffing!
Take a healthy dish to share- Find a healthier alternative for your favorite Thanksgiving dish. Experiment with new, creative ways to make a high calorie dish healthier.
Sample size the desserts- If you have a sweet tooth and can't pick just 1 dessert, take a few bites of pumpkin & pecan pie. Just be careful those few bites don't turn into an entire slice of each.
Be wary of liquid calories- Holidays are notorious for temping us with festive beverages. Alcohol offers no nutrients, just empty calories! If you're family celebrates with wine, measure it out & limit yourself to just 1 glass! One serving is 4 oz, which doesn't always look like much depending on the size of the glass.
When you follow a few simple tips your Thanksgiving will be more enjoyable without the regret! Enjoy your time with family and friends. Finding balance without depriving yourself will yield long-term results for a healthy, happy lifestyle. For more assistance and support during this holiday season contact Fugate Fitness.