2 Days until the biggest eating holiday of the year! Do you already have your thanksgiving plates set in your mind? I know some of you have been busting your butts in the gym, but seriously you don’t have to STUFF your faces to enjoy the holiday.
Don’t get me wrong, I will indulge but I won’t be the one unbuttoning my pants or laying on the couch for 2 hours because I over ate.
I choose wisely. I love Turkey and gravy… and in case you don’t know me by now I am a POTATO lover. So those items along with all the veggies will all be piled on my plate.
Don’t hate me when I tell you I don’t like PIE. People think I’m crazy but Thanksgiving desserts are not my thing. For as long as I can remember I never ate dessert on Thanksgiving. If someone made Chocolate chip cookies, I would eat one but usually there’s only pies:)
So on a healthy note, Last night I tried out a new veggie combo that would make a great side dish for Thanksgiving. Roasted butternut squash topped with Gorgonzola Cheese.
I took 1 pound of chopped butternut squash and drizzled it with oil & salt. Roasted in the oven for 30 minutes at 400 degrees and then topped it with 2 tbsp of gorgonzola cheese right after they came out of the oven. It was yummy!
Here are some Tips for Beating the Holiday Bulge:
1. Drink lots of water. It is important to stay hydrated but drinking water also helps to keep you full.
2. Eat Breakfast. I’m never one to skip breakfast, but make sure to eat a normal healthy breakfast on the big day.
3. Exercise. Stay active. Even a 30 minute walk will burn some calories.
4. Don’t skip any meals. Skipping meals is only going to cause you to over eat later in the day. Eat like you normally would and it will help you to keep your holiday meal well balanced.
5. Load up on the healthy sides. I like to load 1/2 my plate with veggies. (some veggies are healthier then others so make sure to take the ones that aren’t loaded with butter & cream)
6. Skip the sweets or limit yourself to 2 bites of your favorite dessert. I usually never have room for dessert, but sometimes just having a small cookie or a couple bites of pie will do the trick!
7. Keep your portions in check. Just because it’s a Holiday doesn’t mean you need to eat like you are never going to have another meal again. Eat as you normally would! 1 serving of protein is about the size of the palm of your hand
1 fat serving is about the size of your thumb, and veggies should be unlimited unless they are coated in fats!!
What is your favorite part about Thanksgiving?
Do you tend to over eat?
Will you exercise on Thanksgiving?
I’m Kelly, a NASM personal trainer and group instructor, a former athlete, a wife and soon to be mommy. Health and Fitness is my passion and I am excited to share this journey with you!
