Surviving Thanksgiving

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My husband and I went to the Gym the other day and they had a table set up with a 2 pound model of fat and a 2 pound model of muscle. I am sure you know muscle is leaner and smaller than fat. They said the average person gains 15 pounds over the holiday season. That is right 15 POUNDS!(I'm not talking muscle here) It starts for many with Halloween and tons of garbage... and it never stops until after New Years. I would like to share with you some tips on how to avoid the average 5-7 pound gain that most achieve, over just the Thanksgiving holiday.

• Don't go to dinner hungry. Eat a good breakfast and lunch to avoid overeating at dinner. Don't save up calories for later. You will just go way overboard.
• Bring something you can eat such as vegetables with low-fat sour cream and a seasoning pack.
• Remember, Thanksgiving is not an all you can eat event. One plate well-proportioned with half of your plate vegetables, one quarter of it lean meat, and one quarter a starch. Try to avoid the bread basket. Eat slowly and enjoy the fellowship. Don't eat a second plate. Drink water with dinner.
• Take your turkey without the skin and try to eat the white meat.
• Watch your portions and get smaller amounts of everything you want to try. Remember moderation is key!
• Alcohol and caffeine dehydrate. So try to avoid them.
• If you want dessert have a sliver not a slice.
• Get out and get a little exercise. Maybe everyone could go for a walk, if weather permits.
• Remember it is a time of giving thanks. Enjoy your company and let that be the main focus.

I hope these tips can help you. It is so hard to lose weight once it is on. Remember an ounce of  prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Blessings,

Amy Jo