10 Tips for Surviving Thanksgiving Day

It's almost upon us...the feast some of us have been waiting for all year.  With one day left before Thanksgiving, it's time to make a plan for how you will handle tomorrow's events.  A little planning and a little effort will help you get through this holiday and still maintain a little health and fitness sanity.

1. Eat a healthy breakfast.  In a previous BLOG, we talked about the importance of breakfast.  It sets the tone for your eating habits the rest of the day.  So start your Thanksgiving morning with a healthy dose of protein to stave off hunger early in the day.  This will lower your chances of overeating because you are "starving".
2. Snack wisely.  Going to a friend's or family member's home for the big meal?  Watch out for the appetizers that may be laden with fat and calories.  Indulge on a couple of the tasty appetizers but do so sparingly.  Munch on fresh fruits and veggies instead.  
3. Watch the "empty calories" in alcoholic drinks.  While it is OK to imbibe a holiday drink to toast family and friends, be sure to add low- or no-calorie, non-alcoholic drinks in between drinks.  Have a glass of sparkling water with fresh fruit.
4. Have a balanced plate during dinner.  Put smaller plates on the dinner table this year.  If you don't have control over which plate you use, don't fill your whole plate with food.  Divide your plate in thirds...1/3 of your plate should have lean protein (i.e., turkey breast) and the remaining 2/3 should have whole grains, fruits and vegetables.  
5. Eat slowly and enjoy pleasant conversation.  It takes 20 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain that it is full.  So slow down while eating your Thanksgiving meal and converse with friends and family.  It's not a race to see who can eat the most or eat the fastest.  Take time to enjoy and savor the food.
6. Wait on (but don't skip) dessert.  Instead of having that slice of pie right after your meal, save it for later.  You'll enjoy it more when you are not already full from your meal.
7. Add activity to your holiday.  Many cities (Lexington especially) have a road race or charity event on Thanksgiving morning.  Get into the holiday spirit and join fellow community members for a pre-Thanksgiving holiday calorie burn.  Don't feel like getting up early to do this?  Go for a walk with family members (or your favorite four-legged friend) or get the family together for friendly game of football or basketball. 
8. Be realistic during Thanksgiving.  Let's face it, some of us will overeat during this holiday.  Don't beat yourself up and think you can't "come back" from this set-back.  The important thing to remember is to get back to your regular routine the next day.  One day of splurge won't ruin your health and fitness goals!
9. Learn to say "no" this year.  Just because your favorite Aunt brought her butter-laden, high-calorie casserole to the dinner table, doesn't mean you have to eat it.  Thank her graciously and choose wisely!!
10. Remember what Thanksgiving really means.  Thanksgiving isn't about the food...it's about being thankful.  Be thankful for loved ones, past and present.  Show your appreciation for those who may have helped you through difficult times this year.  Create an atmosphere of fun, love, and camaraderie this holiday season.  Enjoy time with friends and family either in person or over the phone.

We hope these tips will help you to have an enjoyable and healthy Thanksgiving this year.  Take a moment to think about what you are thankful for in your life.  Be happy, be wise, be active...but most of all, be healthy!!