Time for Exercise

The holiday season can be challenging when you want to be careful about your diet. There are so many temptations and high fat recipes, not to mention the sheer temptation to eat, eat, eat. It’s not easy to cope with.

And it’s less than a week away.

How are you going to cope with all the temptations? There are some steps you can take to help.

Step 1: Watch the fat

A lot of holiday foods are higher in fat than what you normally eat. It’s not just the desserts, it’s the creamy sauces. Even if you aren’t cooking, offer to bring a dish so that you have some control over the content of at least one item. Make it healthier yet still delicious.

If you don’t mind eating the white meat from the turkey, do so. Many people prefer the dark meat, which has a stronger flavor, but the white meat has less fat. But overall turkey meat is not that bad for you, so there’s only so much guilt you should feel if you just have to have dark meat.

Step 2: Think before you eat and drink

It’s not just the food, after all. If you spend all of Thanksgiving day snacking and drinking sodas, wine, beer or anything with calories, you’re going to greatly increase your caloric intake. Try to keep your snacking under control and remember that water is good for you.

Step 3: Watch your portions

How much do you really need to eat, even on a holiday? While a single day’s indulgence is not a complete disaster it can be an uncomfortable feeling knowing that you have completely blown your carefully laid diet plans.

Step 4: Eat the things you will enjoy

Just because you want to control your eating doesn’t mean you should completely deprive yourself. Depriving yourself too much will only make later misbehavior too tempting. Take smaller portions if necessary, but eat the things you really want.

Step 5: Go easy on desserts

Desserts can be hugely tempting and very high in calories. Pick a favorite and don’t eat too much of it.

Step 6: Take a walk after dinner

Get out of the house and walk. It’s a nice easy bit of exercise that you can get the entire family involved in. It’s a delightful time for just talking. Any kids in the crowd will probably really enjoy the time out as well.

Step 7: Don’t regret what you do enjoy

If you go overboard on Thanksgiving, don’t beat yourself up over it. Allow yourself to get back into your routine rather than giving up. The more time you spend regretting not getting tit right, the more time you’re wasting getting back on track.