Newsletter - November 2013

Holiday Survival: Thanksgiving Edition

Thanksgiving; a time for gratitude, spending time with loved ones, and large amounts of delicious foods! If not careful, Thanksgiving has the potential to undo all of your hard work!

The average Thanksgiving Day plate has upwards of 3,000 calories on it- that’s 500 calories shy of an entire pound of fat! Once you add in seconds, desserts- you’ve just gained an entire pound in one festive meal. It would take about 6 hours of jogging or almost 10 hours of brisk walking to burn these calories off. Don’t let this make you nervous! Follow these tips during this holiday and you will be able to enjoy your meal without the guilt or the weight gain!

1. Get Active!
Burn some calories before the thanksgiving festivities begin: Engage in a local 5k turkey trot or a high intensity gym session. If not, make Thanksgiving a family fitness adventure! Take a walk after dinner and before dessert with the family. It is a wonderful way for families to get physical activity and enjoy the holiday together.

2. Don’t Skip Breakfast!
Many fall under the trap of skipping breakfast to save calories for the thanksgiving feast. Missing out on the first meal of the day slows down your metabolism which causes your body to store more calories later. A high protein breakfast will not only give you boosts of energy, but will also help you cut calories later on in the day by gorging on anything that comes into sight.

3. Lighten Up Your Meal!
Whether you are the one preparing the meal, or bringing a dish, use healthier substitutes to make it a healthier meal with less fat, sugar, and calories. Use fat-free chicken broth to baste the turkey and make g