Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for family, celebration…and regret. The average Thanksgiving meal contains over 3,000 calories, with about 40% of those calories coming from fat. But who can deny that those extra calories are tasty! It’s no surprise that most of us overeat on this delicious holiday, only to awaken with stomach aches and shame the next morning.
Here are 5 ways to enjoy your Thanksgiving while still remaining mindful of your health:
- Exercise There are many ways to include an exercise routine with your holiday meal plans, such as a post-meal walk with your family, and planning a workout the next morning. Getting up and socializing during the meal helps, too. Thanksgiving is about enjoying those special moments with your loved ones, so be active and social while enjoying your meal!
- Watch your portions It is way too easy to overeat on Thanksgiving. You can avoid this by saving your seconds for another day and savoring the food slowly. Most importantly, know when to stop—and that’s when you’re full, or better yet, when you’re about 80% full (allow for expansion!).
- Don’t save your appetite It may be tempting to hold off eating earlier in the day to “save room” in your stomach for the big event, but this can do more harm than good. Skipping meals tricks the brain into justifying more indulgence, but eating a meal in the morning can give you more control over your appetite throughout the rest of the day. Enjoy normal portions throughout the day so that your body will know when it’s full once the real meal begins.
- Pay attention to those ingredients Remember that plenty of unhealthy ingredients can be overlooked if you don’t pay close attention. Stay away from foods with high sugar content and be wary of labels that claim something is “natural.” Always read the ingredients!
- Don’t stress Attempting to gather an entire family under one roof is rarely a smooth ride, especially when you’re in charge of preparing the meal. Remember that it’s also your job to enjoy yourself and the company of your loved ones. Don’t let stress ruin your ability to have a good time. Stress can negate the benefits of eating healthily, and overstressing yourself may cause you to eat more than you should.
You can partake of the Thanksgiving meal and holiday, while making healthy choices. Enjoy!
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