Even though the Thanksgiving holiday is not yet upon us, it's not too early to mentally prepare yourself on how you will survive the occasion in a relatively healthy manner.
For most, this is a cherished time to spend with family and friends, some of whom you may not get to see often during the year. These times should be enjoyed and celebrated wholeheartedly, but it does help immensely if some self control is maintained in regards to all the food and treats that will be present during this holiday. It is expected that more than usual amount of food and drinks will be consumed, but the whole experience does not need to be terribly detrimental to someone who's concerned with improving their health and the amount they weigh.
You may be thinking that since Thanksgiving is just one single day, how can one day of eating more than usual really cause that much damage to your body. According to the Caloric Control Council, "the average American will consume more that 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving day alone. Surprisingly, most of these calories come from the all-day snacking in front of the TV while watching parades and sporting events." cited from -http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=324
Think about what are your traditional activities your family and friends partake in on Thanksgiving Day. Do you all sit around watching the televised parades or football/basketball games? Think about all the snacks and drinks that are being consumed just during those times, and dinner has yet to be served. Even though almost 5,000 calories sounds ridiculously astronomical, when you consider the entire day's munching and snacking instances, it really does happen, unless you maintain a sense of control and awareness throughout the festivities.
Worse yet, think of all the leftovers and desserts you may take home with you and eat over the next few days. One feasting day could possibly turn into three or four days of overeating this way.
Here are five tips to take into consideration that will help keep the calorie count as low as possible during this holiday celebration, yet you will still be able to enjoy yourself among family and friends.
Watch Out for Those Snacks
Those snacking bowls set in front of the television can be beacons of destruction especially if your hand and mouth go into automatic mode while watching a parade or a sporting event. If you happen to watch tv on Thanksgiving, try and sit in a location that is not directly in reach of a snacking tray. If the visual temptation is too much, get a snack in your hand that is not going to be packed with calories. See if there is an apple, pear, or banana you can munch on since those are only about 100 calories each and healthy for your body.
Serving Sizes can Be Enormous
When it comes time for dinner, try not to overload your plate with a serving that you know is way too much. If you are adamant about having every space filled on your plate, at least fill it with items that are healthier options of what's provided such as salad, and lean meats like turkey and ham. Vegetables that were properly prepared would be perfect items to include on your plate also.
Drink Lots of Water
Drinking a lot of water not just at the end of your meal but throughout the day can really help fill the empty "space" in your stomach. Not only does water help aide with digestion, but it also helps you feel more full, therefore you will not be in the mood to eat more food once you reach that point. Try and drink at least three glasses of water throughout your dinner and you will find that you won't need as much food as you may have in the past.
Avoid the Really Fattening Stuff
Pies and cakes that are usually brought out at the culmination of the Thanksgiving feast can be the nail in the coffin, adding insult to injury, the straw that broke the camel's back - whichever appropriately fitting saying you would like to use in this situation. If you are simply unable to say "no" to the dessert options, at least attempt to select the healthier option such as jello or cake with no frosting or maybe a piece that is half the size of all the other options. If that is not possible, eat just half of the slice that is given to you.
Get a Bit of Exercise In
Here is a great way to get your metabolism going to help improve digestion and also spend quality time with your family members that are present at your Thanksgiving celebration. After everyone has had a chance to relax a bit after dinner, suggest a nice walk around the neighborhood. Not only will you be burning between 100-400 calories depending on how long you walk, but you will have a great opportunity to talk with family members you may not have spoken to in awhile.
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Gregory L. Gomez has been teaching 5th grade in the LAUSD for the past 12 years and has recently embarked on a journey to lose weight, eat healthier, and finally get in shape! Check out his progress on
http://HealthyChoicesInLife.com as he strives to lose 60 pounds and see what he's done with regular exercise and healthy eating habits.
Thanksgiving Printables for Kids
Free Thanksgiving-themed coloring and nutrition activity pages for children to enjoy. Promote the harvest vegetables and fruits, the food pyramid and healthy choices during Thanksgiving.
Published: Aug 08, 2011
Grades: K-5, PreK
Ages: 5-10, 3-4
Free Thanksgiving-themed coloring and nutrition activity pages for children to enjoy. Promote the harvest vegetables and fruits, the food pyramid and healthy choices during Thanksgiving.
Published: Aug 09, 2011
Grades: K-5, PreK
Ages: 5-10, 3-4
Fun word puzzles that promote healthy harvest foods and activities during Thanksgiving.
Published: Aug 09, 2011
Grades: 2-5
Ages: 7-13
Activity for kids to write in their reasons to be thankful inside healthy fruits and then create a plate full of thanks!
Published: Aug 09, 2011
Grades: 2-5
Ages: 7-10
This Thanksgiving, have the kids help set the table with special “Healthy Thanksgiving” place cards. Your guests will love the personal touch from the kids. Just print and cut out. Have your kids write in each special guests name and place on the plate!
Published: Aug 09, 2011
Grades: K-5
Ages: 5-10
Here are some helpful Thanksgiving planning ideas to help kids have a fun and healthy Thanksgiving. Planning ideas for schools and parents.
Published: Aug 09, 2011
Grades: K-5
Ages: 5-10
Here are some helpful Thanksgiving planning ideas to help kids have a fun and healthy Thanksgiving. Planning ideas for schools and parents.
Published: Aug 09, 2011
Grades: K-5
Ages: 5-10
Here are some helpful Thanksgiving planning ideas to help kids have a fun and healthy Thanksgiving. Planning ideas for schools and parents.
Published: Aug 09, 2011
Grades: K-5
Ages: 5-10
Free Thanksgiving-themed coloring and nutrition activity pages for children to enjoy. Promote the harvest vegetables and fruits, the food pyramid and healthy choices during Thanksgiving.
Published: Aug 09, 2011
Grades: 3-5, PreK-2
Ages: 8-10, 3-7
Print and cut out free lunch notes that promote “Be Thankful for Health” messages. Space for you to customize and write in your own personal “thankful” message for your child.
Published: Aug 09, 2011
Grades: K-5
Ages: 5-10
Thanksgiving Bookmarks Kids make their own cute Thanksgiving bookmarks to use during reading.
Published: Aug 09, 2011
Grades: PreK-5
Ages: 4-13
Kids make their own cute Thanksgiving bookmarks to use during reading.
Published: Aug 09, 2011
Grades: K-5
Ages: 5-10
Fun Thanksgiving 7 words - word search puzzles that promote healthy foods and activities. Bigger letters for the younger student.
Published: Aug 09, 2011
Grades: 2-5
Ages: 7-13
Fun Thanksgiving 15 words - word search puzzles that promote healthy foods and activities.
Published: Aug 09, 2011
Grades: 2-5
Ages: 7-13
Fun unscramble word puzzles with a hidden healthy message that promotes harvest foods and activities during Thanksgiving.
Published: Aug 09, 2011
Grades: 2-5
Ages: 7-13
Here are some helpful Thanksgiving planning ideas to help kids have a fun and healthy Thanksgiving. Planning ideas for schools and parents.
Published: Aug 09, 2011
Grades: 4-5
Ages: 11-13, 8-10
Here are some helpful Thanksgiving planning ideas to help kids have a fun and healthy Thanksgiving. Planning ideas for schools and parents.
Published: Aug 09, 2011
Grades: 5
Ages: 11-13
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