Hosting the Thanksgiving meal this week, I have a lot to do. And I will be honest…exercising is not one of the first things on my mind. In fact, if I could have my way, it would be skipped this entire week.
At least that’s what the “old” me would have done. I would have gone into this week thinking, “I already know that I will be eating more than I usually do come Thursday, so why bother to workout?” The thinking is that I will just start again on Monday.
But like I said, that is what the old me would say. I have a new perspective and it’s that fitness doesn’t stop just because the holiday season has arrived.
In fact, it is the best reason to exercise. Physical activity is never a waste of time.
At the same time, it doesn’t mean that I have to completely gorge myself on Thanksgiving. In fact, I plan on not only exercising that morning, like I always do but the next day as well.
I also have a plan in place to eliminate some of the excess eating that I might do. Perhaps these five tips will be helpful to you as well.
First, I plan on scrambling up a couple of eggs and having a slice of toast for breakfast. Skipping breakfast might sound like a better idea. That way you can save all of your eating until later. But you will eat more if you have starved yourself all day.
Second, I am going to select small portions. This way I will get to enjoy more but not too much of any one thing. For instance, I may choose a slice of ham instead of several, or a spoonful of mashed potatoes instead of filling half my plate. Bigger selection but smaller portions are the key.
Third, I won’t be going back for seconds. If I plan on eating something, it will make its way onto my plate the first time around.
Fourth, I am going to savor my meal. I tend to be a fast eater. It must stem from years back when I had three little kids and learned it was the only way I could get nourishment at the dinner table.
Take a couple of bites, then a sip of water. Then it’s another couple of bites, chewing slowly, and a sip of water. The water will help you to feel full faster.
Finally, don’t skip dessert. Give yourself a treat. But don’t take a slice of every selection. Choose just one and enjoy.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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Photo by vxla in Flickr