by Krystal Paco
Guam - Most people believe that the holidays means you have to overindulge on all the food on the buffet table resulting in that dreaded five-pound holiday weight gain. But thankfully, Turkey Day doesn't have to equate to bloating and the budge of the belly. Here's a few tips - to help you have a fit thanksgiving-enjoying all the delectable dishes without seeing the waistline increase.
For most people the holidays are a time to celebrate, splurge on all the food and fixings and eat, drink and be merry as the saying goes. But all that eating and the breaks from working out can have you feeling like a bloated whale and wishing you didn't go for thirds on the bread pudding and eggnog. So when you see the Thanksgiving buffet, don't get overwhelmed. Load up on veggies especially raw ones. Filling up on veggies, minus the fatty processed dips or high calorie dressings can help you stay slim.
Another good way to watch your weight is to cut your portions in half or even by thirds. No need to stuff yourself that you feel like a turkey. Simply reduce your portions and enjoy all the foods you love but limit yourself. Doing so, will make you feel better about yourself and your stomach will thank you too. Don't feel like you need to finish everything on your plate.
Don't forget to drink water-you can even try drinking a glass before you sit down and eat to help fill you up. Fitness experts recommend you stay away from soda and alcohol as neither will get you closer to your goal of being slim and trim. In fact most sods are packed with refined sugars and artificial sweeteners while alcohol will lower your inhibitions which often results in overeating. The best part is water has zero calories!
After you've eaten your meal, try going for a walk either by yourself to clear your mind and debate about whether or not to get up early for Black Friday sales or better yet, take the whole family for a walk. Physical exercise is a great stress reliever especially if you've been in the kitchen all day slaving around the stove to make the family feast. Trust me, you'll feel better after you did.
A few other tips include making sure you eat breakfast. This will help ensure that you don't overeat because you're starving.
Chew slowly - think about it - doing so will reduce your calorie intake per minute and it will help your body feel full quicker. Avoid the turkey skin - it's mostly fat and has plenty of calories. Also lookout for hidden fat-check out your table and look for foods like green beans and mashed potatoes that may be loaded with butter and other fat.
If you're like most families on Guam, you may have more than one thanksgiving dinner which leaves you open to two eating binges within hours of each other. Try eating some foods in one meal and eat other foods in the other one. Stay away from seconds and thirds!
The most important part of staying fit this Thanksgiving, is by asking yourself throughout the day-are you even hungry. It's easy to sit around a table of food and nibble and snack all day simply because the food's there. But take the time to be aware and stay conscious of whether you're even hungry. This will help you get through the Thanksgiving Day without stuffing yourself.
Don't forget, yes it's a special occasion but remember it's just one meal not a foodfest for the entire day.
Eating in moderation and staying active are surefire ways to help you beat the holiday feasting frenzy and keep you on track to having a fit and healthy Thanksgiving.
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