Happy, Healthy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!  If you've listened to or read any holiday news, you know the average American can easily eat over 4,000 calories during a Thanksgiving meal.  If you're concerned about the holiday completely derailing your wellness plans, here are a few simple tips to put your mind at ease! 

Eat a healthy breakfast.  Skipping breakfast to "save room" for dinner at 1:00 will result in uncontrollable hunger and overeating. 

Control your portions and take a small amount.  Just a spoonful can satisfy your hunger, taste buds, and your host!   

Slow down your eating and enjoy the company.  Take time to savor the taste of your food by chewing slowly and setting your fork down between bites. 

Eat foods that you don't get to eat most of the year.  Why load up on corn and mashed potatoes that you can eat anytime when you can have a small amount of Grandma's sweet potatoes?  If green bean casserole isn't one of your favorites, skip it and the calories.   

Don't drink your calories.  A study conducted at the Laval University in Quebec, showed that combining high-fat foods such as glazed ham, stuffing, and pecan pie with alcoholic drinks causes people to put away many more calories than eating fatty foods with non-alcoholic drinks, or eating low-fat foods without alcohol. Alcohol is also empty calories.  A 12-ounce serving of Rum and Coke=361 calories, a frozen Margarita=246 calories, a glass of red or white wine=120-125 calories, and most non-light beers average 140-180 calories.  

Take a hike!  Bundling up and going outside for a walk before or after will not only burn calories, it will help you deal with holiday stress.  Ask a family member or a friend to walk with you and catch up on conversation.  If you need to get away, take the dog for a walk.  He or she may need to get away as well! 

Have a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving!