The holidays can be a nightmare for someone who is trying to lose weight. Thanksgiving, a whole day that seems to be focused on food, food and more food, makes matters even harder. But there are ways to enjoy turkey day without completely ruining your weight loss goals. All it takes is a little creativity, some self-control and determination.
Change the Recipe
Thanksgiving food can taste great and not be loaded with fat and calories. For instance, limiting the amount of butter you put in those mashed potatoes can reduce the amount of fat and calories by almost half. Instead of cooking a whole turkey, which will lead to leftovers, consider roasting just a turkey breast and removing the skin. Sugar-free desserts and toppings, such as whipped cream, can still taste great without packing all the extra calories you don't need when you're trying to lose weight. Making a few modifications in the way you cook can make a huge difference on your waistline without having to sacrifice a lot of flavor.
Control Your Portions
Visiting friends and family and not doing the cooking gives you no choice over what goes on your plate. But you can control how much goes on your plate. Take a small sampling of your favorite sides, like stuffing and that green bean casserole, but limit it to one portion. Eating seconds is a sure-fire way to eat calories your body doesn't need, so slow down when you eat so feel full sooner. Avoid the fattiest of the Thanksgiving foods, like dark turkey meat, gravy and condiments like butter.
Avoid Turkey Day Laziness
Most people's first instinct after gulping down that Thanksgiving meal is to hit the couch and maybe watch some football. The last thing your body needs when trying to lose weight is to go into hibernation mode after a big meal. Get on your feet and out the door after dinner and burn some of those calories you just ate with a walk around the block or even a good run. Many cities offer a 5K or 10K around or even on Thanksgiving Day. Organize one with friends or neighbors if there's not one in your area. The bottom line is, get moving before and after the big meal so your body can burn off all the calories you just ate.
Avoid Leftovers
Leftovers can be a killer for someone trying to lose weight. The last thing you want to do after working off a fattening meal is go and eat it all over again. However, save the white meat from the turkey. It's loaded with protein but lower in saturated fat compared to the dark meat. Also, you could even skip the cooking at home and volunteer to serve Thanksgiving dinner at a local homeless shelter. That would eliminate the temptation of leftovers all together.
Take Advantage of Days Off
Because Thanksgiving always falls on a Thursday, many people enjoy a four-day weekend. Take advantage of the time off and spend your it focusing on exercising and eating well and those extra calories you might have had at the Thanksgiving meal won't make too much of a dent in your weight loss goals. Also, since Black Friday falls the day after Thanksgiving, make sure to park far away from the front of all the stores you go to. The extra steps and distance will help burn more calories.
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