Health & Fitness Corner
By: LeAnne Munoz
Issue date: 11/23/09 Section: Entertainment
Many look forward to Thanksgiving Day as a time to pig out on anything and everything in sight. While there is nothing wrong with this concept theoretically, it can put a serious damper on anyone trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. According to the American Council on Exercise, the average Thanksgiving Day meal is 3,000 calories. Sometimes, it's easy to extend the Thanksgiving feast all the way until New Years Day, which can end up bringing unwanted weight. The following are some suggestions on how to enjoy your meal without going overboard:
Exercise the day before and after - this will help those who put things off to stay on track. Or make exercising a family affair by planning an after-dinner walk in the park, organize a fun game of football with the kids, or even get grandma involved in a fun game of bowling on the Wii.
Manage your portions well - try a little bit of everything, but save seconds for the items you really enjoy. When going back for seconds, try to keep the portion size reasonable. Remember, it is okay to decline more food, just be courteous in doing so. If you know you have reached your desired limit, don't try to "make room for more."
If you cook the meal, try to incorporate healthier versions of classic dishes, such as sweet potatoes without marshmallows but instead with nutmeg and cinnamon. If feeling ambitious, add kale to your mashed potatoes and top with olive oil instead of butter.
Substituting high-fat ingredients with low-fat ones may make the difference in calories down the line. For example, try using whole wheat flour instead of enriched white flour when baking, which, according to sparkpeople.com, will help save 77 calories and prevent a spike of insulin from affecting the body. Ditching holiday sweet treats such as cranberries in favor of apple sauce sprinkled with cinnamon may help cut extra sugar out of your diet.
If you aren't the one cooking, but still plan on making an appearance somewhere, bring along a tasty and healthy side dish, such as a salad or steamed vegetables. It is sure to be appreciated by the host.
Remember, it is ok to enjoy yourself. If you want to let yourself have a day where calorie counting and portion control are not in your vocabulary, go ahead. Relax and enjoy some diet downtime - just remember to get on track the next day.
Exercise the day before and after - this will help those who put things off to stay on track. Or make exercising a family affair by planning an after-dinner walk in the park, organize a fun game of football with the kids, or even get grandma involved in a fun game of bowling on the Wii.
Manage your portions well - try a little bit of everything, but save seconds for the items you really enjoy. When going back for seconds, try to keep the portion size reasonable. Remember, it is okay to decline more food, just be courteous in doing so. If you know you have reached your desired limit, don't try to "make room for more."
If you cook the meal, try to incorporate healthier versions of classic dishes, such as sweet potatoes without marshmallows but instead with nutmeg and cinnamon. If feeling ambitious, add kale to your mashed potatoes and top with olive oil instead of butter.
Substituting high-fat ingredients with low-fat ones may make the difference in calories down the line. For example, try using whole wheat flour instead of enriched white flour when baking, which, according to sparkpeople.com, will help save 77 calories and prevent a spike of insulin from affecting the body. Ditching holiday sweet treats such as cranberries in favor of apple sauce sprinkled with cinnamon may help cut extra sugar out of your diet.
If you aren't the one cooking, but still plan on making an appearance somewhere, bring along a tasty and healthy side dish, such as a salad or steamed vegetables. It is sure to be appreciated by the host.
Remember, it is ok to enjoy yourself. If you want to let yourself have a day where calorie counting and portion control are not in your vocabulary, go ahead. Relax and enjoy some diet downtime - just remember to get on track the next day.
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