Let's Do Turkey Day the Right Way!

Hello Folks!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner—here’s how to maneuver your workouts and eating habits before it’s time to dig in on Turkey Day. Let’s be real, this holiday is not about dieting, so I’m not going to tell you to stay away from all of your favorite foods. That would be torture! Instead, let’s focus on the different ways you can achieve balance this holiday season.

Try Easy Math

• Remember the Formula!

to maintain weight, caloric intake must equal calories burned.

• How do I track calories?

Take advantage of a free phone or computer application, such as Lose It. These apps do the hard work for you by helping track what you eat and calories burned. This is a quick and easy way to monitor your consumption without wasting time and energy.

• Thanksgiving: Preparation and Recovery

It’s okay if you go a little overboard on a holiday (who can resist pecan pie??), but make sure that during the days leading up to and/or following that special day, you decrease your caloric intake or up your exercise by a reasonable amount. This way you have nothing to worry about when you step on the scale!

• What if I don’t log calories?

Another way to achieve balance is through moderation on the big day. Moderation can be practiced in several different ways:

• 1) Eat smaller portions of rich foods:
  • Load up on veggies and light soups (a.k.a no cream) first, this way the fiber and liquid fills you up. You’ll be less tempted to gorge on the stuffing and pies.
  • Look at the size of a half cup. Try to keep your indulgences under this portion size. This way, you can try more delicious foods, but not throw your diet to the wayside!

• 2) Make healthier versions of your favorite Thanksgiving plates:
  
  

  
  • The internet is full of websites with lower calorie versions of tasty—but often fattening—foods. Do a little research! If you lighten up some of your dishes, the overall meal will do less damage to your diet and still taste great, leaving you guilt free!

• A few good options to check out online:

• Food Network: http://www.foodnetwork.com/thanksgiving/photos/healthy-thanksgiving-recipes.html

• Cooking Light Magazine: http://www.cookinglight.com/entertaining/holidays-occasions/13-great-thanksgiving-meals

• Mayo Clinic Diet : http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/recipes/pumpkin-cream-cheese-dip/rcp-20049947

• 3) Watch the Alcohol:
  
  
  
  • Alcohol packs on the calories! The average 5oz glass of wine is about 121 calories—1 or 2 glasses is fine when the in-laws drive you crazy. But skip the alcoholic eggnog, it’s 250 calories per 5oz!

• Alcohol also lowers your inhibitions, so the more you drink, the less likely you are to notice how much you eat!

• Last but not least-don’t forget the implications of the dreaded post-holiday hangover. If you’re not feeling well the next day, you might skip the gym and opt for greasy foods instead. It’s not worth it!

Well, NEXT LEVEL friends, there you have it. Easy Math to guide you through a happy and healthy holiday! Don’t forget, even if your math doesn’t add up at the end of the day, there’s no reason to give up. Just lace up your sneakers and head to the gym the next morning. A good workout will brighten your spirits and get you back in shape for that next holiday party 

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Dr. Abu Pigott

Aurora Baxter