Maintain, don’t GAIN this Thanksgiving!

November 26th, 2015

Thanksgiving is upon us yet again.  This is a wonderful holiday with all sorts of delicious foods to enjoy with family and friends. This is certainly not a holiday to deprive yourself, but the key is moderation.  If you are currently trying to lose weight, I recommend allowing yourself some indulgences.  Aim for maintaining your current weight, but not gaining any weight.  Here are some tips to navigate this wonderful holiday.

• Don’t skip any meals.  You may think that skipping breakfast and lunch could balance a large dinner, but you will more likely to overeat during dinner out of sheer hunger.
• Drink lots of water.  Water helps with digestion and also lets you pause between bites of food.
• Exercise vigorously during the days leading up to and after the holiday feast.  You will not likely burn off all the calories, but every bit counts!
• Load up on the vegetables and fruits.  Baked sweet potatoes are actually quite healthy and high in fiber.
• Don’t eat too late.  Opt for an earlier dinner so that you are not eating dinner and going to bed too soon afterwards.  Your body needs time to digest.  Eating large meals too close to bedtime can cause indigestion and acid reflux to worsen.
• Limit your alcohol intake.  People often forget that alcoholic beverages are high in calories.  Some beers can contain about 180-250 calories per bottle!  Ounce per ounce that is about the same as soda!  It is recommended that men drink no more than 2 drinks in 24 hours and women drink no more than 1 drink in 24 hours.
• Choose lean cuts of meat.  Turkey breast without the skin is actually a great choice.
• Load up your plate with reasonable portions and avoid refilling.  When you have cleared your plate, allow a full 5-10 minutes to pass.  Do you still feel very hungry?  If so, allow yourself to have some vegetables.
• Cut small pieces of dessert and savor them.  Have tea with dessert.  Tea has many antioxidants and can help with digestion.
• Go for a walk with your family after dinner.  Walking helps with digestion and it’s great to get some fresh air with your loved ones.

Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!