Yes, I'm writing this blog post to share some tips that will help you stay (somewhat) healthy over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Let me clarify that I'm not saying you need to be deprived and miserable, crying over the pie you want to eat so badly. This post is to share with you some REALISTIC tips that will help you enjoy the feast in moderation, so you don't end up feeling sick, bloated and disappointed come Monday. Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for your blessings and enjoy time with loved ones, it's not a time to go on a 4 day free-for-all binge.
Ok, so first things first, remember the motto "BURN IT TO EARN IT." This is my slogan to remind myself that if I want to enjoy all of the delicious food I better get a solid workout in before I start the feastin! This is surely no day to skip your workout. In fact, it's quite the opposite. This is a day to intensify or extend your workout! Your workout will boost your metabolism, increase your energy and make you feel happier. Our health is our most valuable possession so treat your Thanksgiving workout as an exercise of gratitude.
Alright, now that you've gotten your workout in we can move on to hydration and nutrition tips. Here are my best tips to help keep you on track:
- Hydrate. Make sure you drink at least 8-10 glasses of water. I find the easiest thing to do on holidays is to load up on water earlier in the day. That way, I know my body is well hydrated in the event that I want to enjoy some wine or get distracted in the day and forget to drink my water.
- Make a healthy breakfast. This ensures that you get in one healthy meal during the day. I always have my Shakeology for breakfast on holidays. Yes it's tempting to have pancakes, waffles, french toast etc with my husband and son but unfortunately I do not have the blessing of their fast metabolism so I have to say no. If you don't drink Shakeology, then go for another breakfast option that is high in protein and nutrients.
- Limit appetizers. Try not to graze with the appetizers because you'll end up eating way too much and stuffing yourself before the real food even comes. Get a small plate for appetizers so you can see everything that you'll be eating. When the plate is done, so are you. Save room for the dinner and dessert!
- Portion control is key. Only use one plate for your meal. Even if you fill up one plate that is a LOT of food. I always make sure to get a hefty serving of turkey and vegetables to fill majority of the plate, then leave smaller room for the less-healthy options.
- Eat slowly. Put your fork down in between bites to slow yourself down. This will help you savor the meal by enjoying it more slowly, and will also prevent you from that sickly feeling when you eat too much food too quickly.
- Just say no to seconds. If there is something you want more of, set it aside for leftovers the next day.
- Watch the alcohol. This is important because alcohol makes you have bad judgement and also gives you a hangover. If you can limit your booze intake you'll likely have better control over your food choices and feel better the following day. Try to limit the number of drinks that you have and space them out by alternating with glasses of water.
POST THANKSGIVING TIPS
Thanksgiving is one day, only one day people! Let yourself enjoy what you want that day and then reel it back in on Friday. Sure it's Ok to have leftover but enjoy them in moderation. Try to stick with the healthier leftovers and balance them into your usual dietary plan. Since I follow the Portion Fix plan I make sure to track my food by the proper containers. The food might not be typically approved by the plan, but as long as I am limiting my portions and tracking what I eat, I know I'll do OK.
Make sure that you continue to get your regularly scheduled workouts in throughout the weekend. If you're traveling you can do streaming workouts from Beachbody on Demand or go for a walk/run. If you're feeling unmotivated then see if you can find a workout buddy to help motivate you. I know it's tempting to skip workouts at times like this, but you're going to feel so much better if you get them done.
Make sure out carve out time during the weekend to do your meal plan and food prep for the following week. This is going to help you get back on track with your nutrition so you don't fall into a downward spiral over the next month. This is a make or break week for many. If you don't want to undo all of your hard work, then put the effort in and get your nutrition cleaned up after the holiday.
One way to increase your chances of success is to tap into some accountability. If you're looking for support and accountability to help you survive the holiday then please email me to find out how my virtual accountability group works. And don't trick yourself into believing that you don't have time or money for this... there are workouts as short as 10 minutes that you can do, and enrollment for every budget (even free!).
I hope that you found these tips helpful. If you did, please share the article with your friends on social media.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
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