Start Planning for Thanksgiving
by Journey to Health Program Director, Becky Anderson
It’s never too early to start planning…
Being a lifelong athlete, I love a solid game plan. With 2 1/2 weeks until Thanksgiving, now is the time to start thinking about what you can do to get through the holiday that most revolves around food. Thanksgiving. I will be working with the JTH nutritionist, Lainie, to come up with great ways to get through this very important holiday without setting back your healthy lifestyle changes you have worked hard to make. These ideas can carry right on over through Christmas and New Year’s Eve holidays.
- Make sure to have something to eat within an hour of waking up. Getting some calories for breakfast gets your metabolism woke up for the day. Repeat after me–Do NOT skip breakfast.
- Get active. Have some games planned when you gather for Thanksgiving. If it’s nice, get outside and play some football or go on a family walk. If the weather is not good, plan some indoor games that get you dancing, moving, laughing. Anything.
- Before you start eating, drink a large glass of water. As you eat, make sure you have water to wash each bite down.
- Slow down. Eat slowly, enjoy conversation, and pay attention to your breathing.
- Remember you only taste the first 3 bites. Take 30 seconds after a bite and decide if you really want that next bite. If you do, go for it. Just make it a decision and not a reflex.
- Go ahead and have some pie. Enjoy a small piece so you don’t feel deprived.
The next few weeks we will provide more Thanksgiving and holiday survival tips.
