Beating Weight Gain on Thanksgiving
Like many American holidays, Thanksgiving centers on a delicious, homecooked meal. However, with all the calories found in mashed potatoes, turkey, gravy and pumpkin pie, this can be devastating to your waistline. The good news is that a meal like Thanksgiving, which comes about once a year, won't have too negative an impact on your health, as long as you don't eat big meals like Thanksgiving dinner on a regular basis.
However, to reduce the impact of Thanksgiving dinner on your weight and overall health, while still enjoying a delicious turkey dinner, there are a few things one can do:
Run a 5K or other race distance (make it family friendly - bring the kids, too!). Many cities have "Turkey Trots" or other runs for families to participate in before they dig in to the turkey. These are a great way to burn some pre-dinner calories and have a great time with others celebrating the holiday. Additionally, you'll get a great shirt and bragging rights among friends and family that you were up early to kick off the day.
Control your portion sizes to reduce calories. Instead of covering your plate with huge amounts of each dish, try taking a smaller amount. Withsmaller portions, you still get to taste the delicious food and enjoy it without overstuffing yourself or simply having too much, which can make you feel bloated (and make Thanksgiving not as enjoyable!).
Change your plate size. If you are someone who likes to fill the plate to the top, trytaking a smaller plate- instead of a 12-14" dinner plate, try using an 8-10" dinner plate. That way, you will take less foods. Even if you pile the plate high, it will have significantly less calories than a larger dinner plate.
Wait on dessert. Instead of chowing down on dessert right after the meal, when stomachs are already full, wait a few hours to dive in to the pumpkin pie or other dessert. Your stomach will thank you. Another way to cut calories when eating dessert is to cut the whipped cream - most likely, you won't even notice it missing.
Skip the nap. Scientists have confirmed thatturkey makes us sleepy, but instead of taking a nap, engage in a calorie-burning activity. Helpwash the dishes(75 calories per hour burned on average) orwalk around the neighborhood(150 calories per hour burned on average).
