Remember “The Creep” I talked about a few weeks ago here? No not the ex that refused to give you back your CD’s when you broke up (Yes. I’m that old.) but the weight gain that sneaks up, blindsiding you in the mirror before bathing suit season? Potentially putting you in that pre-diabetes category or worse.
Well that 1-2 pound weight gain that doesn’t come off happens NOW!
I’ve put together some of my favorite tricks to avoid weight gain during Thanksgiving. And a little spin on them for those looking to be over the top healthy. Maybe even lose a pound!
#1. Don’t Skip Breakfast. I swear every tip I see out there on how to best tackle this mega eating holiday starts with eating breakfast along with “go for a brisk walk outside”. I slightly roll my eyes at them. But I do agree with the breakfast thing. When you do this it leads you to think you can eat more at the main event. You’re going to eat a lot no matter what. Try and go simple and easy. One scrambled egg on a piece of hot (lightly) buttered toast. If you are feeling the need to be uber healthy on this day, yes a scrambled egg white on hot, thickly smeared avocado sprouted grain toast works too.
#2. Have Chocolate Mid Day. You’ll think you’re being devious and throw caution to the health wind. If you are not eating until after 4pm, grab a sweet little treat beforehand. ONE piece of leftover Halloween candy works well here. Uber healthy: chocolate, banana smoothie (1/2 banana, 1 medjool date, 1c unsweetened almond milk, 1T unsweetened cocoa powder, 1T hemp seeds, ice and blend)
#3. Wear Your PJ’s Past 10am and Watch the Macy’s Day Parade on TV. For me this is a happy place. It’s childhood tradition and a TV zen like experience wrapped into one. Uber healthy: do 10 push-ups every time they show a marching band.
#4. Avoid Store Bought Crackers, Rolls, Pies, Potato chips, Dip, Pepperoni, Cheese balls and the Relish tray. We all know what those taste like. Don’t go there. Plus the salt in the relish tray alone will have those piggies swell up faster than you can say pass the gravy. Uber healthy: Shelled edamame. This kids will love a free pass to play with their food.
#5. Forget brisk walks outside 5 Minutes of Exercise Before You Get Out of Your PJ’s. You’ll feel like you’ve done 20 minutes. Check out this post here for a 5 minute routine. Uber healthy: (brisk walk outside) Sign your butt up for a good ol fashion Turkey Trot 5K. Be careful not to exercise too much though. Exercise really doesn’t burn THAT many calories and you’ll think because you ran a 5K you can have triple helpings.
#6. Don’t Serve Canned Corn. Like #4, you know what that tastes like. The carbs aren’t worth it when there’s stuffing on the table. Uber healthy: Did you see my Brussels sprout and bacon recipe?? YUM!
#7. Speaking of Stuffing, Serve it in the Smallest Serving Bowl with the Smallest Spoon. The serving of stuffing for 1 carb group is a thimble. Well 1/3 cup. If you actually measured that out, you’d cry. Research out of Cornell University has proven we will serve ourselves less if the bowl and spoon are smaller. Use the jumbo serving spoon for those Brussels sprouts. Uber Healthy: serve everything in smaller quantities.
#8. Eat The Dark Meat First! It’s so yummy, tasty, moist and delicious. How often is turkey made in your family? Less than 3 times a year? ENJOY it!! Uber healthy: White meat for 2nds and 3rds.
So there you have it! I’ve got more in my head, but I’ll save those for the Christmas holiday party season. Tell me, what trick will you use to avoid weight gain this season??
No matter what you weigh come Monday, many blessings from my family to yours!
Hugs, Kim
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