Thanksgiving Tips To Avoid Those Unnecessary Calories

Thanksgiving is days away and if you’re like every other American you can’t wait to chow down. During this time of thanks & celebration, we tend to not worry about our health or the calories we are putting in our bodies. Americans consume anywhere from 3,000 to 4,500 calories at Thanksgiving celebrations, which on a normal day is around 2,360. Not to mention that you usually go back for seconds, a Thanksgiving meal if not at least considerate will have you with some regret the next few days. Today we will share some tips, food ideas, and more that can help make your Thanksgiving a little more health-conscious.

Things to Avoid and Cut From Your Thanksgiving

What does your normal Thanksgiving meal look like? Turkey, cornbread, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and don’t forget about the dessert. If you are worried about overeating a good rule of thumb is to take half portions of what you usually eat, so you don’t have to miss out on any particular food. Another tip for those who end up waiting longer than expected make sure you watch your snacking. There should be some type of fruit which is a healthier snack than all those Hawaiian rolls you’ve been eating. Are you someone who enjoys drinking a little alcohol never hurts someone, but if you are someone who goes a little harder, stop and consider cutting the drinking altogether. Drinking is empty calories and if avoided together you can save yourself from a headache and a bloating feeling. This goes for soda as well.

Water is a better beverage to have while eating your Thanksgiving meal, and drinking water will give other benefits that can help you with weight loss. By sipping water a bit before your meal and during the meal, you are filling your stomach’s volume with some liquid, so you will be able to feel full much sooner therefore reducing intake. Additionally, you’ll be well hydrated which is great for feeling energetic and may help reduce the side effects of eating heavy meals.

Dessert

Socializing before meals can help you burn calories and avoid eating at the same time. Talk to your family and friends and see what’s new with them. This is great to remember if you catch yourself going back for more food when you’re not hungry or prevent snacking before the food is served. Save your dessert for later. I know that eating your dessert right after your meal is always a great way to end it, but putting off the dessert until later on gives benefits like letting your food digest. It also gives you something to satisfy that craving that will eventually come.

Burn The Extra Calories

After your Thanksgiving meal, go for a walk or play some board games. Going to sleep right after you eat doesn’t help your digestive system do its job and although the nap sounds great it will be even better at the end of the night. The day after Thanksgiving is usually Black Friday and leftovers. Looking for a way to cut down on those calories you’ve been eating get out there and shop. All the walking you will do in the morning and throughout the day, by the time you get home the seconds of Thanksgiving will be calling your name. We hope these tips help you this Thanksgiving Holiday.

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Content updated on 12/23/24.