
10 Strategies for Preventing Weight Gain on Thanksgiving – LORAzepamum Medical Blog
- Covid-19 and Obesity: Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season
- The Calorie Conundrum
- Managing Festive Stress
- Tips for a Healthy and Fit Thanksgiving
- Burn the Fat
- Divide Your Meals
- Scrap the Extra Calories
- Exercise Self-Control
- The Goodness of Turkey
- Mocktails and Hydration
- Prepare a Healthier Food Buffet
- Maintain, Don't Lose Weight
- Socialize and Avoid Temptation
- Plan Ahead
Covid-19 and Obesity: Staying Healthy During the Holiday Season
The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has forced many of us to stay confined within our homes. As a result, remote work has become the norm for most people, leading to various health issues, including obesity. With Thanksgiving 2020 and the holiday season just around the corner, it’s important to be cautious about our health and weight, especially considering the tempting array of savory dishes that await us.
The Calorie Conundrum
A recent study revealed that the average American consumes anywhere between 3000 to 5000 calories during their Thanksgiving meal alone. For many, indulging in food becomes a favorite pastime during the holidays. While some individuals can easily shed the extra pounds they gain, others struggle to do so.
Managing Festive Stress
The holiday season can bring about additional pressure and anxiety, including family dynamics, financial concerns, and relationship issues. This stress often leads to unhealthy eating habits for some individuals.
Tips for a Healthy and Fit Thanksgiving
To alleviate the guilt of not indulging in your favorite dishes while still celebrating a healthy Thanksgiving, here are some helpful tips:
Burn the Fat
Create a calorie deficit by incorporating physical activity into your day. Take a walk or do squats in the morning and again after dinner. Consider planning outdoor activities with your family before Thanksgiving dinner and opt for a workout the following morning instead of feeling bloated and sluggish.
Divide Your Meals
Rather than consuming one large meal, try saving up some calories by eating smaller meals throughout the day. Begin your day with a small breakfast consisting of oatmeal, an egg, and a small portion of yogurt. This practice of eating smaller meals with breaks helps prevent overeating and weight gain. However, it’s important to develop this habit gradually rather than abruptly during the holiday season.
Scrap the Extra Calories
Include more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in your menu. Avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks, as they contain excessive amounts of sugar. Opt for smaller portions of meat and prioritize eating vegetables first before moving on to other dishes.
Exercise Self-Control
While food brings joy and emotion, it’s crucial to have self-control over our appetites. Instead of indulging in meals that are available year-round, focus on savoring dishes that are unique to the holiday season. Avoid over-indulging in desserts, but if you do indulge, satisfy your cravings in one go without going for a second helping of calorie-filled treats.
The Goodness of Turkey
Thanksgiving dinner is incomplete without turkey. Enjoy this savory dish while keeping an eye on your calorie intake. Eat slowly, savoring each mouthful, and take the time to fully enjoy your food. Return to the old tradition of having dinner at the dining table with your family, engaging in conversation and creating beautiful moments. Eating slowly and chewing your food thoroughly can help reduce mindless eating and promote better digestion.
Mocktails and Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential, so why not make it fun with a mocktail that includes a hint of alcohol? Indulge in a glass of wine or enjoy sparkling water. This way, you can stay hydrated while keeping an eye on your calorie intake and maintaining sobriety.
Prepare a Healthier Food Buffet
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, consider including healthier options on your menu, such as vegetables, white turkey meat, and mashed potatoes. Keep meat portions thin and lean to allow guests to enjoy the meal without overeating. Avoid overdoing things and keep servings small, allowing people to savor your beautifully prepared dishes.
Maintain, Don’t Lose Weight
Remember, the holiday season is a time to enjoy and appreciate the beauty around us. With busy schedules filled with dinner parties and BBQs, there’s no need to burden yourself with the task of giving up your favorite foods. However, it’s important to exercise moderation and not overindulge in any particular food. Gaining calories is easy, but shedding them can be challenging.
Socialize and Avoid Temptation
When your sweet tooth craves a brownie, seek out someone to talk to instead. Engaging in conversation won’t add calories to your day. However, make sure to have these conversations away from the food table to avoid unnecessary temptations.
Plan Ahead
To control your calorie intake during Thanksgiving, prepare in advance. Mark your calendar with the date of Thanksgiving and make sure to exercise daily leading up to the event. This way, you can maintain your shape while still enjoying the Thanksgiving dinner.