You can enjoy your Thanksgiving without regret. Learn some ways to have a healthy, fit holiday.
Give thanks that Thanksgiving only comes once a year! Your family's traditional Thanksgiving table differs greatly from the original bounty. Today, farming knowledge and technology yields diversity from the fields and establishes meats o' plenty for the purchase. In my research, I found that historical writers don't agree as to what food selections were and were not available to the Pilgrims in the 1600's. However, one fact about the menu was evident. The Thanksgiving menu of yore was a mix of what the English settlers knew about and/or brought with them, served along side what the Native Americans offered from the land and the sea. Today, we continue this tradition by swapping dishes with family and friends. The first Thanksgiving lasted three days. Which, coincidentally, is about how long it takes for us to finish all the turkey sandwiches, turkey salad and turkey dressing. Back then, one ate enough to get through the forth-coming, barren Winter. I eat like I celebrate this tradition, as well.
However, that seems to be the end to what we hold true of the original Thanksgiving. Our vegetable selections are canned, frozen or fresh. Our meats are bought free-range, grain fed or spiral cut. It was a debate as to whether cranberries were available on the original Thanksgiving table, but I'm certain they wouldn't have been in the shape of a can.
The menu may have changed, but the celebration remains the same. Thanksgiving is honored with a feast. To stay healthy at this bountiful time of year without sacrificing hearty tradition here are some tips.
Don't wear your "eating pants". You know the ones I mean. Wear a normal waist band that won't allow you to over-eat while you're sitting at the table.
After unloading your hot and heavy dishes, park your car down the street from Grandma's so you get a good after dinner walk to retrieve it.
Eat everything in sight, but in smaller takes. Moderation is the key. If your green beans roll off your plate while you're trying to scoop more gravy onto your turkey, you suffer from portion distortion.
Make a bet with your siblings as to which family member will be the first one to say, “Oh, I ate too much.” You'll be more aware of how you're feeling while your eating.
Don't snack while wrapping left-overs. Try to keep Thanksgiving to one day. Leave your left-overs with the hostess or make sure everyone leaves your house with heaping, foil covered dishes.
Sleeping in the recliner during the game won't shed the extra calories. Go out and throw some passes.
Take an after dinner walk with the family.
Get a head-start on the Christmas decorating.
Thanksgiving will always be celebrated with food. And unless you're escorting a huge balloon down 34th Street, in New York, (also a Thanksgiving Day tradition since 1927) you're going to have a calorie cornucopia at the end of the day. But its only a day. Don't beat yourself up. Celebrate the season!
