Tips for a Thinner Thanksgiving

With this article, the Health Fitness Revolution Team and Samir Becic wish you all a fun, happy, and healthy Thanksgiving!

The Thanksgiving Holidays are here and everyone knows this is the time of year when most of us will gain some weight. This is due to the big portions, more time indoors, and time away from our routines. Here are HFR’s Tips for a Thinner Thanksgiving:

• Eat slowly, putting your fork down between bites, and taste each mouthful to enjoy your meal and feel satisfied with one plate full of food.
• Get Active!  Create a calorie deficit by exercising to burn off extra calories before you ever indulge in your favorite foods.  Make fitness a family adventure by taking a walk early in the day and then again after dinner. It is a wonderful way for families to get physical activity and enjoy the holiday together.
• Eat Breakfast:  While you might think it makes sense to save up calories for the big meal, experts say eating a small meal in the morning can give you more control over your appetite. Start your day with a small but satisfying breakfast — such as an egg with a slice of whole-wheat toast, or a bowl of oatmeal – so you won’t be starving when you arrive at the gathering. Here is an article we wrote about the importance of Breakfast.
• Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner or bringing a few dishes to share, make your recipes healthier with less fat, sugar, and calories.  For example: Use fat-free chicken broth, reduce oil/butter, use less sugar, try greek yogurt or fat-free sour cream in creamy dips, mashed potatoes, and casseroles.
• Watch your portions only eat your favorites and skip the foods you can have all year-long.  Also, skip second servings.
• Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, salads, and other foods with lots of water and fiber add to the feeling of fullness.
• Spread out the food and fun all day long.  For example: schedule desert AFTER a family walk around the neighborhood.
• Cut back on alcohol, alcohol calories that can add up quickly.  In between every drink have a glass of water or sparkling water to keep yourself hydrated and calories at bay.
• Set realistic expectations.  Being away from your schedule and celebratory indulgence around you most of the time, shift your mindset to maintaining your weight and staying healthy and active.
• Be Social.  It is such an important aspect of health, as we wrote about in an article here about how Happiness Affects Health. So enjoy time with family and friends this Thanksgiving!