6 Tips To Follow So You Won’t Wobble When You Gobble

Thanksgiving only comes around once a year, so why not go ahead and splurge? Because gaining weight during the holiday season is a national pastime. Year after year, most of us pack on at least 3-5 pounds (some gain more) during the holidays — and keep the extra weight permanently. But Thanksgiving does not have to sabotage your weight.  I for one am looking forward to some mashed potatoes, home-made hot rolls and turkey.

Below are six tips to help you make it through this Turkey Gobbling Season while maintaining your weight.

Get Active

Create a calorie deficit by exercising to burn off extra calories before you ever indulge in your favorite foods. This may mean hitting the gym or working out at home — can you say — YES, I would like to do a quick 30 min workout, Thank You 21-Day Fix (my soul-mate workout).  Try out a few of these moves you can do at home today.

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 whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk — so you won’t be starving when you arrive at the gathering.  Seems simple enough.  Check the box – eat breakfast.  Every morning I have my daily dose of dense super nutrition in the form of an amazing chocolatey Shake.  I have never felt better, had more energy or been more satisfied with a shake since drinking Shakeology.  I look forward to it EVERY MORNING.

Lighten Up

Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner or bringing a few dishes to share, make your recipes healthier with less fat, sugar, and calories.
Try these options instead:

• Use fat-free chicken broth to baste the turkey and make gravy.
• Use sugar substitutes in place of sugar and/or fruit purees instead of oil in baked goods.
• Reduce oil and butter wherever you can.
• Try plain yogurt or fat-free sour cream in creamy dips, mashed potatoes, and casseroles.

• 

Portion Control

Thanksgiving tables are bountiful and beautiful displays of traditional family favorites. Before you fill your plate, survey the buffet table and decide what you’re going to choose. Then select reasonable-sized portions of foods you cannot live without.
Don’t waste your calories on foods that you can have all year long.  If you NEVER get to eat your grandmother’s pumpkin pie or homemade stuffing, then make sure that you make room for those treats on your plate.

• Skip the Seconds.Try to resist the temptation to go back for second helpings.
• Choose the Best Bets on the Buffet.While each of us has our own favorites, keep in mind that some holiday foods are better choices than others.
• Leave the Leftovers.

Slowly Savor
Eating slowly, putting your fork down between bites, and tasting each mouthful is one of the easiest ways to enjoy your meal and feel satisfied with one plate full of food, experts say. Choosing whole grains, fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, salads, and other foods with lots of water and fiber add to the feeling of fullness.

Be Realistic 
The holiday season is a time for celebration. With busy schedules and so many extra temptations, this is a good time to strive for weight maintenance instead of weight loss.

Focus on Friends & Family – Not Food

Thanksgiving is not just about the delicious bounty of food. It’s a time to celebrate relationships with family and friends.  Make sure to have fun and enjoy the time you have to together in fellowship.  And remember to count your blessings and remember what you are “Thankful For” this Thanksgiving.

Check out this video from my soul-mate trainer, Autumn Calabrese, with some other GREAT tips to make it through Thanksgiving without derailing your health and fitness goals.  Happy Thanksgiving.