The holidays are upon us, and it seems that no matter how hard we try to not gain one single pound throughout the holiday season, a couple inevitably sneak up on us–usually in the places we least need it! With Thanksgiving only a few days away, it is not too late to do a little pre-holiday prep work!
Try to squeeze in one additional day of working out between now and Thanksgiving, and add an additional fifteen to thirty minutes on to each of your workouts between now and “turkey day.” Add some caloric cuts to your regime as well. Cut 500 calories from your diet each day–this is enough to make a difference without noticing much difference. This little extra effort will leave you feeling less stressed out when Gramma’s pumpkin pie arrives on the scene.
Keep the following caloric values in mind when serving up your Thanksgiving faves:
3.5 oz portion of roasted turkey breast without the skin: 115 calories
3.5 oz portion of roasted dark meat without the skin: 187 calories
3.5 oz portion of roasted dark meat with the skin: 221 calories
One-half cup serving of mashed potatoes: 111 calories
One-half cup serving of bread stuffing: 198 calories
One-half cup serving of cornbread stuffing: 175 calories
One-half cup serving of broccoli cheese casserole: 230 calories
One-half cup serving of green bean casserole: 60 calories
One-fourth cup serving of cranberry sauce: 105 calories
One slice (one-eighth of pie) of apple pie: 347 calories
One slice (one-eighth of pie) of blueberry pie: 387 calories
One slice (one-eighth of pie) of cherry pie: 418 calories
One slice (one-eighth of pie) of pumpkin pie: 270 calories
The Ideal Meal:
Choose a lean slice of turkey. Limit yourself to only two small servings of casseroles or “warm dishes.” Help yourself to steamed veggies. Go for the pumpkin pie for dessert, and skip the whipped cream. Total estimated calories? 694 calories … more than a typical meal but not terrible.
5 Fit Tips for Keeping the Thanksgiving Feast Under 1000 Calories:
1. Don’t starve yourself all day. Eat regular meals … breakfast and lunch.
2. Exercise in the morning (check out your local Turkey Trot). This will serve double duty by suppressing your appetite and boosting your metabolism.
3. Keep an attitude of gratitude and avoid emotional conflicts with family. Easier said than done — I know!
4. Don’t clean your plate. Leave at least one bite of every item on your plate.
5. Eat slow so you are still enjoying your meal while others go back for seconds.
Enjoy your day. Remember, the idea is to enjoy family and to reflect on what you are grateful for … the food is just a yummy perk!
Got any holiday survival tips you would like to share here? Feel free to leave a comment below!
Original post for AOL’s ThatsFit.com.