Saturday, 6 October 2012

Survive Thanksgiving without stuffing yourself!

We all look forward to our favourite holiday treats, and over eating every once and a while is inevitable. But keep in mind what you are shovelling into your face ..and don't set yourself too far back just for a meal.

The average turkey day feast, with all the fixings can be about 3000 calories. 3500 calories equates to a pound of body fat. And a 3000 calorie meal takes about 6 intense sweat sessions to burn off....
We're talking gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie. Then-there is the breakfast or lunch you already had... wine, more wine..maybe seconds or third helpings and the crispy skin you can't avoid while you linger in the kitchen helping to clean up. 

If you are preparing your dinner then there are many easy modifications you can make to "clean up" the favorite holiday treats. If you are a guest, don't starve yourself all day and go in hungry, eat something light before so you wont be too tempted to over eat. Bring a side dish that you prepared, load up on the veg and white meat turkey (no skin) and skip the gravy. If its your family hosting the dinner be honest about your goals and maybe you can incorporate making some minor adjustments to the traditionally prepared feast so that everyone will be able to enjoy.

So- how do you survive?

1.Don't starve yourself all day. Eat regular meals ... breakfast and lunch.

2. Exercise in the morning! Make time to get out for a brisk run, an early yoga class or crush a weight session. This will serve double duty by suppressing your appetite and boosting your metabolism.

3. Keep an attitude of gratitude, it is Thanksgiving after all. What are you thankful for?

     4. Eat slow, and try not to go back for seconds
(If you were at a restaurant you wouldn't order    
         another entree once you're done the first one so why would you load up again now?)


Enjoy your day. Remember, the idea is to enjoy family and friends and to reflect on what you are grateful for ... the food is just a yummy perk!

I am making a healthy Thanksgiving day feast on Sunday consisting of pork tenderloin, ezekiel bread stuffing, crispy parmasean brussle sprouts and baked sweet potatoes. I am debating between deserts at the moment but am leaning towards a guilt free warm chocolate cake with a "nutella" frosting!

If you want some ideas to make your Thanksgiving feast a little lighter check out http://www.eatcleandiet.com
There are some fantastic ideas that everyone at your table will enjoy!

Stay tuned for recipes and pictures from my Sunday table.

There are so many great dishes that won't set your efforts back too far -so try a new recipe and make some good choices so you aren't kicking yourself the next day!





I am grateful for all the love and beauty in my life and the amazing people 
who love and support me every day.
I am grateful for my health and I am committed to cherishing it.

What are you grateful for?

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!




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