7 Tips to Avoid Weight Gain During Thanksgiving

 

     Let’s face it. With some of the best home-cooking that Mama can make, it’s hard not to put on a few pounds on Thanksgiving. I don’t know about you but I am going to have seconds on Thanksgiving and to try at least one slice of my wife’s homemade American apple pie and chocolate pudding pie. There’s a good chance I’ll be having a slice of pumpkin pie somewhere in there too. I don’t feast very often anymore but on Thanksgiving I believe that is one day where you should just relax, have fun, enjoy your family, and eat some good food. More importantly of course is to thank God for the many blessings he has given you.

     Having said all this, Thanksgiving presents one problem – weight gain. Like I said before, it’s easy to put on a few pounds over Thanksgiving weekend; after all, somebody’s got to eat that leftover turkey, mashed potatoes, brown gravy, stuffing, and God forbid – another slice of that delicious apple pie! Because I know I am going to eat more than normal on Thanksgiving, and because I know that that I am going to enjoy myself on this very special day that only comes around once a year, I am preparing ahead of time to make sure I don’t put on any excess weight – at least none that stays on for more than a day or two. My philosophy is this: if you gain any weight whatsoever then make it a point to lose that weight within a few days. Do whatever you have to do. Run a half marathon if you have to, but don’t let that added weight become permanently attached to you. My motto is “If you gain it fast you have to lose it fast.”

To help you avoid any permanent weight gain as a result of Thanksgiving, I have provided some tips below:

1. Eat less a few days before and a few days afterward

If you normally eat about 2000 calories a day, drop it down to about 1500 calories per day for a few days before and few days after. If you normally eat about 1500 calories per day, try to drop it down to 1200. You could have anywhere from a 900 to 1500 calorie deficit before Thanksgiving meal begins.

2. Exercise more a few days before and a few days afterward

Try to get some really good workouts in before Thanksgiving and afterwards as well. Your metabolism increases by approximately 10% 2 to 15 hours after exercise. I have also found that the more I exercise, the less I want to eat and the healthier I want to eat.

3. You can eat more than usual but you don’t have to eat A LOT more than usual

Instead of taking thirds, only take seconds. Instead of having 5 slices of turkey, cut it back to maybe 2 or 3. Your plate doesn’t have to look like Mount Everest! I have found it’s better to go back for seconds than to pile up one big giant plate.

4. Drink lots of water in the morning before, during, and after the meal.

Drinking water is healthy in general; but it will also help you eat less if you have a big glass of water before you chow down on Mama’s homemade biscuits. Be thoughtful to choose water over other calorie drinks such as Pepsi, which has about 200 calories per half liter. Water has 0 calories. It’s something to think about when you are deciding how to use your calories.

5. Use lighter versions.

Light mayonnaise has about 2/3 less calories per serving than regular mayonnaise. We also buy butter that is 28% fat whereas most butter is 78% fat. These little choices can make a big difference.

6. Pass on the ham.

Some people like to have ham along with their turkey on Thanksgiving. If you have the option, stick with the turkey. It’s much more healthier. Pork meat is considered to be the unhealthiest of all meats you can eat. Here is am interesting article that explains this in greater detail http://www.draxe.com/why-you-should-avoid-pork/.

7. Remember the reason for season.

Thanksgiving is not really about eating. It’s really about taking a day to be with the ones you love and giving thanks to God for all he has blessed you with. This is much more important and rewarding than anything sitting on your plate. Remember the One who gave you Life, the food on your plate,  the One who made it all possible to sit with your family and enjoy the food. When your focus is on your family and God, you won’t think about the food as much and when you don’t think about food as much, you won’t eat as much.