Stuffing yourself like a turkey in honor of the holiday?
My number one rule is to always save sweets, treats and desserts for holidays or celebrations. Thanksgiving counts in that respect so I urge you enjoy yourself and never feel guilty for indulging. With that being said, the average American reportedly takes in 3,000 - 4,500 calories at Thanksgiving dinner. That’s about 2 days’ worth of food in one meal! Eating until you are sick? Doesn’t sound like much fun to me…
Here's how to indulge without over doing it:
Splurge Smart!
Only put things on your plate that you absolutely LOVE. Think about what you plan on eating in advance. Survey the scene before loading your plate. If the mashed potatoes look lack luster this year indulge in something else. If you grab something and realize it tastes anything less than amazing, stop eating it. If you don't absolutely love it, why are you eating it?
Eat mindfully
Have you ever noticed how children eat exactly what their bodies’ need? Sometimes it’s absolutely nothing, sometimes you wonder where it all goes. As adults, we learn to stop listening to hunger cues and more so listen to social cues. By this I mean we eat because it’s our normal meal time or because everyone else is, not necessarily because we are physically hungry. It is important to try to be mindful and conscious while you are eating. Fully chew every bite. Think about the different flavors, textures, smells and when you are nearly full, stop eating. The Japanese use a phrase “Hara hachi bun me” which means eat until you are 80% full. The Japanese are known for not only being healthy but producing the longest life expectancy in the world, so I highly recommend taking their advice. =)
Here's a great formula from @collegenutritionist
Exercise
You have the day off, take the time to exercise. My personal tradition is the annual turkey trot 5k in Cleveland! If you aren't a runner walk it! Even better, take a 15-30 minute walk with the family following your meal to encourage moving blood sugar into the cells. If you don't want to go out of the house do an at home HIIT or plyometric workout from the comfort of your own living room. Move your body, it is what they were designed to do!
Here is a 24 minute workout you can do in your living room:
https://www.self.com/story/a-sweaty-24-minute-cardio-workout-you-can-do-in-your-living-room
One Plate
Is it just me or does Thanksgiving food taste even better the next day? That is the beauty of the one plate rule. If you have your one plate and feel as though you are missing out on something, take it home and enjoy it tomorrow. Going back for seconds is going to leave you in that post meal food coma we're trying to avoid here and its better to waste food to the garbage than your stomach.
Spend time with family
Have you ever noticed that on holidays’ people eat so far into excess they have to take a nap after the meal? The holidays are often the only time we see extended family members and if we are spending it napping or too full we aren’t making the most of it. If for no other reason, eat mindfully so that you can truly enjoy this time making memories with your family.
Also: Bring a healthy-ish dish so you have at least one guilt-free side to enjoy.
THANKSGIVING is a VERB… An action word.
Actively give thanks. Gratitude changes everything.
This year I am especially thankful to have all of you as a part of my Famous/HCP family.
I wish you all a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!!!