How To Enjoy Thanksgiving (Without Sacrificing Your Gains)

The turkey, the sides, the desserts!!! Yes, Thanksgiving is a pretty amazing day for those of us who like to eat but it can quickly derail all of our progress we've made in the gym lately. It's also the beginning of the holiday season where you'll be invited to party after party and your self control will be tested for sure.

How do we have a good time but not overindulge? Here are a few things you can do to enjoy yourself but not completely change all your healthy habits. 

1. Set Your Plate Up For Success -  Fill up your plate with lean protein (turkey, fish, steak, etc), vegetables and natural, unprocessed carbs (sweet potato, mashed potatoes, rice). Focus on that first plate and take it slow by making sure to properly chew your food and not chug your drink while eating. 
2. Take It Easy With The Drinks - Obviously water is the best choice but not always the most fun for some people so make sure to drink in moderation. A few cocktails could mean a few hundred calories. Same as the food, take your time, try for one glass of wine or beer and simply sip it. Some extra water throughout the day will help you feel full while helping process a lot of the sodium found in all that delicious food. 
3. Don't Overdo The Desserts - If a little dessert won't trigger you to eat a whole lot more, have a little bit... maybe a serving, maybe half, maybe a bite. You could also make a healthier dessert for Thanksgiving and share it with everyone there. Can't bake? Just bring a fruit salad.
4. Eat Before You Go - It's simple, if you show up hungry you are more likely to eat whatever is laying around. Easiest way to combat this is to just eat a meal before you leave the house. You'll have more self control at the party and not make (as many) bad decisions. Try for a meal high in protein or even have a protein shake before if you are in a rush. 
5. Don't Be Weird - Last but not least remember that this is a holiday and you're there to have a good time and make memories. Not every day is perfect so occasionally you may need to chow down on whatever is there, smile and enjoy the moment. 

Use these tips to make your holiday more enjoyable and hopefully a little healthier. Any questions, just ask.

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Coach Mike N

Currently going back for seconds.