This Thursday is Thanksgiving and the kick off to the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year". So true and in so many ways, but not for your waistline. For some reason, we have gotten it in our heads that Turkey Day equals a day to binge on all of our favorite foods and regret it later.
Here is some serious food for thought: People probably consume 3,000 to 5,000 calories around the Thanksgiving dinner table — yikes. While eating often takes center stage during the holidays, that doesn't mean we have to give up on good health. Check out these tips for a fit and healthy Thanksgiving without sacrificing any flavor or fun.
1. Exercise Early. I'm a huge fan of morning workouts and Thanksgiving morning is a key day to get it in early. Not only will it give your metabolism a boost, increase your energy for all the days events, but you will fell a little less guilty for eating an extra slice of pie.
2. Be Choosy. Indulge only on the really special foods that you normally wouldn't see. Don't munch of something that you can make yourself any time of the year. Thanksgiving is my day each year to eat sweet potato casserole and pumpkin pie!
3. Make Good Choices. Pace yourself if you decided to drink alcohol, keeping in mind there are fewer calories in wine than most cocktails. Try to drink a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage.
4. Start a Healthy Family Tradition not Based on Food. Run a Turkey Trot, organize a sports game, trivia or board games, viewing Christmas lights, or a walk around the neighborhood.
5. Avoid the Sugar Pushers. We all know who they are, whether its your Grandma or Aunt Sue everybody has a relative that thinks you are withering away. Just say NO!
This Saturday the family and I started off our Thanksgiving holiday with me running in our local Turkey 10k. It was a beautiful morning to run, which was made even better when I crossed the finish line to find out that I placed 1st in my age division and 2nd overall female.
With the girls out of school this week, we plan to take advantage of our time together. On the agenda is a ton of yard work (little hands are great for weed picking), Girl Scout meeting, and continuing my training.
How are you planning to have a healthier Thanksgiving?
Run Hard,
Ashley
