Thanksgiving Tips

HEALTH TIPS OF THE DAY:  Enjoying Thanksgiving without Putting on the Pounds!! 

Here are some simple tips to remember this Thanksgiving to keep you from putting on unwanted pounds!

1.     Before you eat: Make sure to eat breakfast within 30 minutes of waking up.  You don’t want to be starving come dinner time.  That way you will have a clearer mind to make smart choices.

2.   WORKOUT in the AM.  If you are cooking the meal this may be difficult but try to squeeze it in after putting the turkey in the oven.  Working in the AM will superboost your metabolism for the day and help you burn the extra calories you consume. 

3.   Make sure to drink TONS of water throughout the day.

It’s time for the feast!!! Here’s what to do:

**Choose white meat.  This lean meat has about half the fat as dark meat. 

**Skip any candied yams and go for the classic mashed potatoes and gravy.  They are packed with minerals and each scoop bolsters your meal with about 3 grams of fiber.

**Take it easy on the rolls or skip them all together.  They will spike insulin levels and cause your body to churn out new fat cells.

**Have a SMALL scoop of stuffing. 

**VEGGIES!!!! Eat lots of them.  Load up on green beans, salad, peas/carrots.  The combination of protein and fiber has a big impact on hunger, so you’ll still be digesting when everyone starts getting leftovers. 

**As for dessert, stick to pumpkin pie.  Of all the holiday pies, this is by the best- nutritionally.  One slice of apple or pecan pie can contain 400-500 calories while pumpkin pie has about 335- that’s including some low-fat whipped cream on top.  Pumpkin is also loaded with beta-carotene- an antioxidant that improves skin tone and improves your immune system.  Check out my Pumpkin Pie recipe :  HERE

Are you doing the cooking?  Try to integrate some healthier options into your typical Thanksgiving day meal.  Here are some ways to do that:

*When making green bean casserole, replace regular butter with whipped butter, mayo with olive oil mayo, and cream with milk.  Then use just half the amount listed in the recipe and replace the rest with Greek yogurt.  That will keep your casserole creamy while offsetting the fat with protein. 

*Use fat-free chicken broth to baste the turkey and make gravy.

*Reduce oil and butter wherever you can.

*Use sugar substitutes in place of sugar and/or fruit purees instead of oil in baked goods.

 While eating remember:

SLOW DOWN.  Savoring the flavor and slowing down while eating will help you determine when your body is satisfied and full. Choosing whole grains, fruits veggies, broth-based soups, salads and other foods with lots of water and fiber will add to the feeling of fullness.  SPEND MORE TIME TALKING and catching up with relatives in between bites.

GO EASY ON THE ALCHOL.  Don’t forget that alcohol calories can add up very quickly.  Opt for wine or wine spritzers.

SKIP SECONDS 

In summary, don’t feel guilty by eating more than you normally would on any other day.  Thanksgiving is a holiday and make sure to enjoy it.  Don’t call it cheating- it is simply celebrating a holiday.  The whole country will be sharing in this meal together, so have what you want- just don’t go crazy overboard.  Small portions are key.  You are not going to “ruin” yourself in one day.  The next day start up your workout routine again and keep going forward- no looking back.  Spend time catching up with your family, playing games, or chasing after some kids. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!!!