Estimates for the average Thanksgiving meal are anywhere from 2,500 to a whopping 4,500 calories! And, since the average American doesn't exercise it's no wonder people pack on excess pounds at this time of year. So, before you head to your holiday meal take a moment to create a game plan that favors your waistline.
Here are some great tips to help you indulge without sabotaging your fitness success and packing on unwanted pounds:
- Use a smaller plate. Cleaning your plate won't have the same impact as eating from a full sized plate and you'll still be able to please those "feed-you-to-love-you" relatives.
- Make half your plate veggies. Your body will love the healthy nutrients and you'll fill up for less calories. Just be careful of goos and sauces.
- Your meat should fit in the palm of your hand. Be sure to remove the skin and remember that dark meat is higher in calorie than white meat.
- Only put one starch or carb on your plate. Whether green bean casserole or candied yams, indulge sparingly.
- Limit yourself to one dessert. You can make yourself a "sampler" plate but remember this is a TREAT. The bit-sized servings should look the same as a single serving of one dessert when put together.
- Walk it off. Resist the urge to hunker down on the couch after your meal. Take the family out for a walk to burn some calories and create some fun memories.
Happy Thanksgiving!
