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Trainer Tips for a Guiltless Thanksgiving

It's hard to believe, but Thanksgiving is just a couple of days away. While Thanksgiving is a day about giving thanks, it also tends to be a holiday all about indulging.

Now, I'm not going to sit here and say, don't touch that pie and skip the rolls or avoid the fried turkey, but I am going to share a few tips to get you through the holiday without the post-feast guilt.


Tips for a Guiltless Thanksgiving 


Break fast. Don't skip breakfast or even your typical mid-morning snack trying to bank some calories. That'll only leave you hungry and more likely to mindlessly fill your plate.

Tackle a race. Participate in a Turkey Trot fun run/walk. It doesn't have to be a speedy 5K, it can be a family, fun event.

Be active. Go for a walk at some point during the day with family or friends. It's a great way to visit and catch up.

Skip "any day" foods. If your Aunt Sue makes some amazingly scrumptious dish this one and only time of the year, enjoy it. But mashed potatoes? You can get those any time.

Healthify a recipe. Health doesn't have to be a four-letter (ok, longer than 4 letters) word when it comes to food. You can have food that is healthy AND tasty. Try smashed cauliflower in lieu of mashed potatoes. Even better, get creative and try some non-traditional recipes like savory smashed sweet potatoes or smashed roasted winter squash.

Portion control. Plain and simple, pay attention to your portion sizes and don't go back for seconds.

Eat slowly. Savor your food. Enjoy the conversations. Don't inhale the food mindlessly.

Choose dessert wisely. Choose the absolute one and only dessert you can't live without, but keep the portion small. You're already full from your meal right? Even better, reach for the healthier desserts and skip those that you know are high-calorie sugar bombs (yes pecan pie, talkin' about you).

Hydrate. Don't forget to drink water, especially if you are enjoying adult beverages.

Of course, the biggest tip for Thanksgiving is to be grateful and enjoy the time with your family and friends.

What are some of your healthy tips for the holidays?

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