Somehow, some way, Thanksgiving is next week. I am not sure how it happened, but it is almost time to over indulge again and again…for an entire month! I don’t know about you, but I always struggle with ways to stay active and (relatively) healthy throughout this time of year. It is so hard to pass on the extra helping of mac and cheese or the amazing appetizers that make you full before you even make a dinner plate.
Many articles come out this time of year that lend helpful tips on ways to keep the extra holiday weight off because, unfortunately, it is hard. I have read that we will consume around 3,000 to 5,000 calories during our Thanksgiving meal alone…ekkkk! I lean towards the idea that you don’t have to give up all of your favorite indulgences during the holidays; you just have to be a little more mindful of what you are eating and how you are countering those calories with your activity level. Everything in moderation, right?!
Here are some of my favorite tips to stay active and healthy during the holiday season:
- Don’t have an hour to devote to the gym because you have to get to that holiday party after work? Go for a brisk walk during your lunch break or try a quick, 30 minute at-home circuit workout before work.
- Take a family walk after your big meal to keep the blood flowing and your metabolism up.
- Find a local run on Thanksgiving morning (I would be remiss if I didn’t mention PAL’s Turkey Day 8K…one of my personal favorites!).
- Help with the chores. Household activities can burn more calories than you think so skip the couch and help load the dishwasher!
- Don’t skip breakfast. Skipping breakfast in order to save calories does not actually work because it may lead you to overindulge later in the day.
- Drink water throughout the day so you don’t confuse thirst with hunger pangs.
- Use a smaller plate to trick your brain and save calories!
- Chew slowly! Research shows that fast eaters consume around 3 ounces of food per minute while slower eaters only consume 2 ounces.
- Go easy on the apps and save your appetite for the real meal.
- Last but not least, take a moment to stop and enjoy this time with those around you! Remember what the holidays are all about and take time to de-stress and spend quality time with those you love.
