November is here and Thanksgiving is coming up right around the corner. This is a time when many Americans gather together for a delicious meal and some quality time with family and friends. However, for the millions of people who are trying to lose weight this holiday season, navigating their way through a Thanksgiving dinner can be a little tricky! Below are a few tips and tricks on how to have a healthy Thanksgiving this year.
Get up early and exercise
Thanksgiving is a hectic day for many families but this doesn’t mean that you can’t squeeze in a workout! Waking up early to start the day with an energizing run, walk, or exercise class is a great way to get your metabolism going which can help you burn more calories all day long. As an added benefit, exercise also helps produce endorphins which can help you bear any family drama that could happen on Turkey Day with ease.
Fill up on salad and vegetables
While many people go straight for the turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving, eating a big salad before you dig in for the main meal can help you limit the amount of heavy, calorie-dense food that you consume. Plus, since vegetables are high in fiber, they are good for your digestive system which will help you process food better and keep you feeling lighter all day long.
When choosing which vegetables to eat, try to steer clear of the ones cooked in a lot of butter or cream and opt for ones that are sauteed or steamed. If you are a fan of pumpkins, this is the time to go for it! Pumpkin is packed with nutrients including potassium, vitamin A, and fiber and it is a great addition to salads, can be grilled and eaten on its own, or served with whole grains like quinoa or barley. Not only is it delicious but it is also incredibly filling and tasty.
Eat smaller portions more slowly
One of the best things about having a healthy Thanksgiving is that you still get to “cheat” a little bit. When it comes time to indulge in your favorite Thanksgiving treats, make sure to eat smaller portions than you normally would. It is also helpful to eat slowly and take the time to really savor the tastes and textures of your favorite foods.
Start the day with a healthy breakfast
Although we know it is very tempting to try to “save yourself” for your Thanksgiving meal, this often means that you are awake for hours without eating anything. By the time Thanksgiving actually starts, you are likely to find yourself starving, leading you to overeat. Instead, try to eat a moderate breakfast full of healthy, nutrient-rich proteins and whole grains that will keep you satisfied until the big event.
Be picky
When you are loading up your plate, make sure to choose wisely when it comes to your food. Take small portions of things that you haven’t tried before and if you don’t like them, don’t feel like you need to eat them. This will help you save an enormous amount of calories and keep your diet on track.
Focus on friends and family
Rather than thinking about your diet or the food that you are eating, try to focus your energy on truly enjoying this precious time that you get to spend with friends and family. Thanksgiving doesn’t happen every day so make sure to visit with the people that you don’t get to see very often.
As easy as pie?
As you can see, you can still enjoy a fantastic Thanksgiving celebration while maintaining your diet. Best of all, these are changes that you can incorporate into your day all year long! If you would some more tips and tricks on reaching your ideal weight and fitness levels, give us a call at Transition Medical Weight Loss and one of our experts will be happy to help you take the first steps to a healthier lifestyle!
