5 Tips for a Leaner Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Thanksgiving, I'd like to give you a few tips to help prevent the holiday weight gain.

On Thanksgiving, Americans will sit down at the table to enjoy a bountiful feast with friends and family. But between the turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and left-overs, all that delicious food can total more than 3,500 calories per plate.

5 Tips for a leaner Thanksgiving

1.  Stay Active

There are many ways to burn some extra calories before and after the holiday feast. Go for a walk/jog with the family before and after dinner, enjoy a game of backyard (touch) football, or even participate in a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning.

2. Drink Water.

Drinking water helps to keep you feeling full and hydrated. Other drinks will have you taking in extra calories that could come from other Thanksgiving options, like a slice of pie. Plus, water is definitely a much healthier option than egg nog!

3. Limit Alcohol

A glass of wine at dinner or a beer with friends during the football games is fine. But remember, with about 100+ calories per drink, the calories from alcohol can add up quick.

4. Eat Breakfast

Having a healthy breakfast can also help curb your appetite so you wont feel the need to eat as much as turkey and stuffing as possible later! Start your day with a small but satisfying breakfast -- such as an egg with a slice of whole-wheat toast, or a bowl of whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk -- so you won't be starving when you arrive at the gathering. - WebMD

5. Control Portion Sizes

Why fill your plate to look like Mt. Vesuvius? Try picking fewer items (they all look tasty) or go with smaller portions. Studies also show that if you use a smaller plate, you'll eat less too. Finally, wait 15-20 minutes and enjoy some conversation before you go back for seconds. It takes your body at least that long to realize you are full.

Thanks again, and we look forward to seeing you at one (or many) of our classes. If you'd like more information on Shift Fitness, feel free to check out our Web site at www.Shift-Fitness.com.

Best regards,

Daniel Shamburg, MS, CSCS

www.shift-fitness.com

To help get you started on staying fit during the holidays and New Year, we are offering you a 25% discount on any of our class packages. Use this promo code on our website to redeem: GETFIT