Tips for a Healthier Thanksgiving
Well, it is that time of year again and many believe that splurging throughout the holiday season is a given and deserved after 9 or 10 months of eating well and being active. Why not put your good habits to bed for a couple months and enjoy yourself? Yes, you do need to splurge now and then- that is a part of every successful lifestyle change- but, a splurge that lasts through the New Year may find you regretting that choice on your first day back to the gym on January 4, 2017. Why not continue your healthy lifestyle choice through the holidays and make a goal to maintain your current weight all the way through? Research shows that weight gained during the holidays is likely to become permanent weight and those pounds quickly add up. Here are 8 tips, adapted from an article on webMD, to make your holidays not only happy but healthier too.
- Get Active- stay active through the holiday season and continue to burn the extra calories you know that you will be consuming. Make it a family affair and plan a walk after your feast to enjoy some fresh air and enjoy some activity together.
- Eat Breakfast- start with a light meal before your gathering, include protein and whole grains to leave you satisfied and not arriving to your party starving.
- Lighten Up- modify your go to recipes to be a little more figure friendly- fat free broths, sugar substitutes, etc. can add up to many calories saved.
- Portion Control- take small portions of foods that you do not get to enjoy year round and avoid the temptation to go back for seconds.
- Eat Slowly-put down your fork between bites and take the time to enjoy your meal, listening for cues from your body when you are full.
- Moderate Alcohol Intake- don’t forget that calories from alcohol can quickly add up and calories from drinks still count toward your overall intake.
- Be Realistic- it is the holidays, so do not make unrealistic weight loss goals and know that you will likely be consuming foods you normally would not- focus on weight maintenance and not weight loss.
- Focus on Friends and Family- not Food- take time to enjoy friends and family that you may not always see, Thanksgiving is about more than delicious bounty!
By sticking with these 8 tips, you can find success in maintaining your weight and health goals through Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season. For holiday recipes ideas and more tips to increase your personal health and wellness and meet your goals, follow us on Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook or check out our website www.ActivateAllenCounty.com.