Think about Thanksgiving!
M. PentaThanksgiving is what most consider an "easy" holiday. No presents, no cards, just food and football. Easy? That depends. For many of us it's a challenge to enjoy the holiday while staying on track with our eating. This holiday is just the beginning of a season full of joy, friends, and FOOD. Here are some food facts for you to consider when preparing for your day.
First, stay on track! Don't skip meals in preparation for the big dinner. Heading to the holiday table when famished will surely cause a "food frenzy". Staying satisfied throughout the day enables us to make wise choices and avoid the urge to overeat. Once seated, remember that this is not your first, or last, holiday dinner. Eat in moderation, and enjoy the foods that you do not typically indulge in.
Crunch the numbers. Ok, lets get down to the nitty gritty. Here are some numbers to keep in mind when filling your plate.*
1 cup of candied sweet potatoes = 400 calories
1 cup of "in the bird" stuffing = 400 calories
1 slice pumpkin pie = 320 calories
1 slice pecan pie = 650 calories
1/2 cup vanilla ice cream = 145 calories
* These numbers are approximate for "typical" recipes, the calories can and do vary depending on how the foods are prepared.
Does this mean we can't indulge and enjoy our dinner? Not at all! However, being mindful of our choices and incorporating healthy items such as plenty of water and fresh fruits & veggies can and will make a difference on our total caloric intake. Which leads us to one more step to stay healthy on our "eating" holiday...
Exercise!!! If you are not hosting you are in luck, get out in the morning and head to the gym, go for a run, take a class or grab the family and go for a hike. Exercising in the morning will increase your total calorie burn for the day, giving you some wiggle room for those extra calories. Hosting? After the dishes are cleared grab some of your guests and take a refreshing walk around your neighborhood before dessert is put out. Better yet, if you are receiving offers of help, let someone else make the coffee and put out dessert, while you and some others take a brisk 20-30 minute walk. For the average person 1 mile = 100 calories. If weather permits get everyone outside for a game of flag football, or run around with the younger children in a game of tag. You will feel refreshed and the urge to overeat should diminish once you are away from the table.
If you "blow it" completely, don't worry, tomorrow is another day. Get up, get out, and exercise. Fitness has no off-season, and our bodies are forgiving. If you give your body healthy foods and plenty of exercise, (with the occasional "off" day) and it will reward you by staying strong and healthy! Happy Thanksgiving!!