How to stay fit and healthy on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving starts the holiday season off with a massive feast. Families and friends gather to celebrate and give thanks over a table filled with delicious food and deserts. This can make it very hard for you to keep to your fitness goals. Thanksgiving is associated with over-eating, binging or “cheating” on a healthy lifestyle. Not many people know that over-eating even just for one day can have long term effects. (Click the link to read about the side effects of over-eating. https://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20100825/short-term-overeating-has-lasting-impact#1)Whether you are planning on throwing your fitness goals to the wind for this one day or will stay on track, Oviedo Injury and Wellness Center (your Oviedo, FL and Winter Springs, FL chiropractor) has got you covered with tips and tricks to stay healthy on Thanksgiving!
Start your day off right with a nutritious and healthy breakfast. The last thing you want to do is starve yourself all day in order to over-eat for thanksgiving dinner. Your body naturally burns more calories during the day. When you wait until the end of the day to eat it may result in binging and even weight gain. By eating a nutrient dense breakfast, you are more likely to skip on appetizers and practice portion control.
Avoid sweets /appetizers and practice portion control. There is most likely going to be a plethora of deserts and appetizers that are sure to make your mouth water. It is best to resist the urge to load your plate full of cake, pie and brownies as they contain a high amount of sugar. Sugar affects your mood, brain, teeth, joints, skin and many more areas of the body negatively. (Click the link to read about all the negative effects sugar can have on your body https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/features/how-sugar-affects-your-body) It is also important to use appropriate portions of food on your plate. (Click the link for a guide on perfect portion sizes. https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-serving-sizes) One tip is to use a smaller desert/appetizer plate instead of a traditional size dinner plate. You will be able to fill your entire plate which will trick your brain that you are getting a lot of food.
Bring your own healthy side dish. A great way to eat healthy on Thanksgiving is to contribute to dinner. By bringing your own side you are helping your family and friends to eat nutritiously too. Here are a few healthy alternatives to classic side Thanksgiving recipes:
Healthy Green Bean Casserole
This dish brings flavors back to life by replacing frozen or canned ingredients with fresh vegetables. Ditch the boring canned cream of mushroom soup for sautéed mushrooms and a lighter version of alfredo sauce. It is creamy, healthy and delicious!
https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/healthier-green-bean-casserole/
Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
This vegan recipe is sugar, dairy, and gluten free! Sweetened with apple sauce, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg makes this version of sweet potato casserole a real crowd pleaser. It has a smooth texture and is not overly sweet. Your family and friends are sure to enjoy this holiday classic!
https://joyfoodsunshine.com/healthy-sweet-potato-casserole/
Stay active with family and friends. It is very easy to stay stationary in a chair or at the dinner table all day as we visit with family and friends. Staying active is a great way not only to burn calories, but to have fun with your dinner guests. Whether you choose to go for a walk or strike up a friendly football game, the key is to get some physical activity during the day.
Have fun and do not feel guilty if you do not stay on track. Remember, it is a holiday and it is important to enjoy yourself! Don’t let guilt consume you because you had a piece of pie or extra serving of mashed potatoes. Thanksgiving ultimately is a special day to give thanks and have fun with family and friends!
Visit a Chiropractor Near Me in Oviedo, FL for weight loss and nutrition recommendations
If you have been searching for a chiropractor to help you reach your fitness and health goals, look no further than your Oviedo Injury & Wellness Center. Contact us today at 407-977-5005 to schedule an appointment.
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