1. Water!
Drink lots of water this week preparing for the holiday! It helps flush your system and is good for you. If you've been slacking on your water consumption, step it up this week because it will be crucial!
2. Plan your plate
For the most part, there are no surprises when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner. You know what your favorite foods are (and you've probably been dreaming about them all week! lol) so plan your plate! That is - 1 plate! Decide what foods you love and don't get a chance to eat often. If you're a calorie counter, figure out the calories of the meal beforehand and stick to your plan.
On a side note, pick and choose what foods you love and what you can live without. For example, I love mac and cheese, but am not a fan of mashed potatoes and can have them any time of the year. Don't feel the need to eat everything because it's there! Get your favorites! If you don't like rolls or mac and cheese, don't eat them!
Or you can have a small (tablespoon) taste of other foods if you want to taste everything. Focus your plate around veggies if possible and turkey! No seconds! Plan your plate so that you have enough of the foods you like and skip the foods that are ok so there are no needs for a second round.
3. Step up your exercise this week!
If you work out twice a week usually, kick it up this week! Maybe work out 3 or four times. If you're not a big exerciser, take a walk, walk the dog, go dancing, burn calories!
4. Eat light prior to
Thanksgiving morning and possibly lunch, eat light! Maybe a fruit salad for breakfast and a turkey sandwich for lunch! Don't starve yourself, because then you will be more likely to pig out for dinner, but have a healthy satisfying low cal breakfast and lunch so that you will have some room to splurge for dinner
5. It's only one day
This is my last and I think most important tip! Thanksgiving is only ONE day! So if you completely fall off the wagon and go to town it's ok! Tomorrow is a new day! Don't beat yourself up over it, just get back on track. That means - NO LEFTOVERS! You won't gain 10,20, or 30lbs. if you pig out one night for dinner. After all it's a holiday! We've all been working hard and deserve a treat! You can, however, gain weight if you decide to extend Thanksgiving to a 5 day weekend and have leftovers Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday! Avoid this! Have your fill and leave empty handed! If you must take leftovers stick to veggies and turkey. If you are cooking at your house, cut down the amount you cook and make sure everyone takes a plate home so there isn't any left for your snacking!
Good luck all and happy holidays!
