Hey Lisa,
So, tomorrow’s Thanksgiving. I want to enjoy myself and indulge a little, but I don’t want to go totally off the rails! Any advice?
Urge to Splurge
Hi Urge to Splurge,
I think it's important to let yourself indulge every once in a while… especially during a festive family get-together that only comes once a year. That said, the average American reportedly takes in 3,000 - 4,500 calories at Thanksgiving dinner, and that is just not necessary! Here’s how to splurge smart without overdoing it…
Eat light beforehand, but don't skip meals.
You may be tempted to save all your calories for the big dinner, but that'll just leave you feeling famished and more likely to overdo it. So have a sensible breakfast and a light afternoon meal (if your big meal is in the evening). You can save some of your calories, just don’t restrict yourself completely.
No excuses: Get in some exercise.
You're going to EAT extra calories, so make it a point to BURN extra calories! I’m not saying you have to start your day with a 2-hour sweat session. But get your heart rate up with some fast-paced
Housewalking or an exercise video:
Fitnessblender.com has over 500 freebie workouts to choose from. Struggling to find the motivation to burn calories on your day off?
Check out these tips.
At dinnertime, survey the scene and prioritize.
Decide what's really worth indulging in. Then fill your plate mostly with the healthy stuff -- salad, veggies, white-meat turkey -- and leave just a little room for those must-have splurges. It’s all about picking your battles. Are you a sucker for sweets? Keep your dinner plate lean & clean, and then have a small slice of dessert. And if the savory side dishes are calling your name, have at it, but skip the dessert table later on. Pro tip: Really focus on putting an end to your eating once you’re satisfied, not stuffed!
Guzzle up: Drink lots of water.
Do this leading up to the big dinner and while you're there. Drinking water in between bites will slow down your eating, and it'll help you feel full faster. This way you can enjoy the foods you've been looking forward to, but you're less likely to keep gobbling them down once you've had your fill. I like my water room temp -- I drink more of it this way!
Get right back on track.
It's called a splurge for a reason -- it's not supposed to be an everyday occurrence! And if you're not careful, it's easy to let Thanksgiving excess spill into December and continue through the New Year. Don’t let that happen! Hop right back on the smart-eating wagon. Then you'll feel more comfortable the next time you want to enjoy a good splurge. And when it comes to leftovers, send home the calorie-heavy casseroles with guests, and repurpose leftover protein & veggies for healthy salads, stir-frys, and more.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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