It's Only One Day . . . How to Maintain and Not Gain this Thanksgiving!
The day of feasting is quickly approaching! I know some folks who have already bought their turkeys. I confess I've put out the Thanksgiving decorations and had fun putting the centerpiece together on my table. As the day of decadence and day of giving Thanks comes I've had a few people ask me for tips to keep from tipping the scales this year. Here are my thoughts . . . .I'm not about to tell you to eat only the turkey and the brussel sprouts or to portion your plate according to the foods' nutritional values. I'm not even going to tell you to get up extra early and run 6 miles before your Thanksgiving meal. For what they are worth, here are my healthy hints for Thanksgiving.1. It's just one day! It's a glorious day of being with friends, family, loved ones and even those who drive you crazy! Take it all in. Enjoy it. Celebrate what we have with food on this day. It is only one day and one day isn't going to completely wreck your regular healthy habits or your waistline. Granted, your pants may be a little tight, but you won't be wrecked permanently. Promise.2. Begin The Day with breakfast as you normally would. You really aren't saving up for calories later on. You will end up over eating even more than you would if you skip your breakfast. Just keep the breakfast light and healthy. Forget the donuts!3. Do save room for dessert - just enjoy it later in the day. I love dessert. On Thanksgiving I want to be able to eat it and enjoy it. If I'm stuffed from the meal I won't enjoy my dessert. Save it for later and if you still want it, it's there waiting. Then you can savor every bite and enjoy the decadence.4. Eat only what you love. I mean it. Of course, the turkey is likely the healthiest thing on your plate so I think you should eat some good protein there. After that, don't feel like you have to eat everything offered at the spread. Maybe you really aren't that fond of a particular dish but have always put it on your plate and ate it out of obligation. Stop it! If you don't love it, don't eat it! Save the room and the calories for foods you want to eat and love to eat!5. Get in at least a wee bit of movement for the day. Around here a lot of folks run the Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon. I know others who participate in 5k or 10k races. Some people do their normal workout routine on Thanksgiving Day, while others, like me, are too busy bustling around to fit that in before the big meal. However, after or before the food coma takes over, is a great time to take a walk, shoot some hoops or play a little football with your crowd. Getting in a little movement will make you feel better.6. Give away the leftovers! Remember No. 1? It's only one day! Thanksgiving doesn't need to be dragged out into a week of eating! Friday is back to normal with a normal amount of food intake. Get back to moving, too. You'll thank me for this one!7. Give Thanks, but not just for those around your table and all of the blessings you are so grateful for. Give thanks for your health, your body, your entire being that makes you who you are. Give thanks for each day you have to move your body, use your mind and your spirit. Each day is a gift and you are a gift.
What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving? What do you LOVE to eat and savor? What tips do you have?Have a GREAT day!- See more at: http://www.marla-deen-fit.net/my-non-blog-blog/its-only-one-day-how-to-maintain-not-gain-on-thanksgiving#sthash.ywgvlpqI.dpuf