A Healthy Take on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is only a week away, and while for most of us that means overeating, it doesn’t mean we have to give up on good health. The average person consumes 3,000-5,000 calories at their Thanksgiving meal, starting off a season of rich foods and desserts. However, we can still stay fit and full while celebrating and enjoying time with family and friends.Check out these tips for a healthy and happy Thanksgiving:

1. Get Outside: Take a Thanksgiving morning run or walk with family, play a game of flag football, or if you’re visiting relatives, check out a new park or area of town.
2. Run a Turkey Trot: Most cities and towns offer a mile, 5K, or 8K race on Thanksgiving day. The best part is, they are usually early in the morning, so you have the rest of the day to spend with family. Check out the Live Active section of the newsletter for links to local races.
3. Eat Breakfast: We often try to save our appetite for the Thanksgiving meal, but skipping breakfast can lead to binge eating later on.
4. Hydrate: We often mistake thirst for hunger, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
5. Use a Smaller Plate: Research shows that using a smaller plate will help you eat 22% fewer calories.
6. Wait on Seconds: Wait 20 minutes before eating seconds to see if you are actually still hungry. Save the food for leftovers!
7. Beware of Liquid Calories: Calories from alcohol and sweetened drinks can sneak up on us during the holidays. Stick to healthier drinks and water, and practice moderation.