Easy Thanksgiving Tips: Enjoy Your Meal Without Gaining Weight

There is no day better than Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is filled with delicious food, family, and friends. But a lot of people are concerned about packing on pounds over the holiday.

The good news is that you can feast on Thanksgiving without doing too much damage if you prepare. These are things that are super easy to do that anyone can do.

1. Balance Out Your Week

Consider the entire week, not just one meal.

If you anticipate a big and scrumptious feast on Thursday, the best strategy is to keep Wednesday and Friday simple.

Snack mostly on lean protein (e.g., turkey, chicken, or fish) and vegetables. On those days, skip bread, pasta, potatoes, and dessert.

This strategy helps compensate for the additional calories on Thanksgiving Day without you even noticing it.

Here at Basics and Beyond fitness & nutrition, we like to remind people that one big meal doesn’t destroy anything. The decisions you make over time are what matter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Don’t Skip Movement

Thanksgiving weekend is for relaxing, but don’t spend the whole time on the couch.

Yes, by all means, take Thursday off! However, make sure to engage in some physical activity, such as moving your body, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Easy ideas:

• Go for a walk with family.
• Hang out with the kids in the yard.
• Ride your bike.
• Do a short home workout.
• Stretch while you watch TV.

 

Even 20 or 30 minutes of exercise will make a huge difference. Movement, in general, helps your body burn those extra calories instead of storing them as fat.

If you need ideas, speak with a personal fitness trainer or look up local personal trainers in Nashville that can assist you with planning easy exercises.

3. Enjoy the Day — But Don’t Make It a Week

Thanksgiving is ONE day. So enjoy it! Eat the pie. Have the mashed potatoes. Share laughs with your family.

But after that? Get back to normal.

Just because you’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving a little differently this year doesn’t mean that your food choices have to get taken over by gratins and mashed-potato casseroles and everything else that comes with a two-week diet extension of the holiday. Leftovers are fine, but pick the healthy ones:

• Turkey with veggies
• Roasted sweet potatoes (no marshmallows!)
• Fresh green beans

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have desserts or rolls that might tempt you in your house, either serve them to your guests or put them in the freezer. Out of sight, out of mind.

4. Watch Out for Sweet Overload

Dessert is fun, but you can easily overdo it.

Try these ideas:

• Choose smaller portions.
• Share dessert with someone.
• Round out the plate with fresh fruit.
• Experiment with lower-sugar recipes if you’re cooking.

 

You don’t need to forgo dessert. Just be sure it’s not taking over the meal.

5. Keep It Simple with Leftovers

There are some healthful winners in the world of leftovers.

Good options:

• Turkey wraps, using lettuce in lieu of bread.
• Turkey and veggie soup.
• Turkey salad with light dressing.

 

Not-so-great options:

• Extra pie for breakfast.
• Stuffing at every meal.
• Gravy on everything.

 

Plan a couple of healthful leftover meals so you don’t eat rich holiday food all weekend.

6. Don’t Stress About Perfection

Thanksgiving is about being thankful, family, and spending time together. Don’t get too strict. Don’t beat yourself up about one big meal.

Just plan ahead. Move your body. Resume normal activities the following day.

The philosophy at Basics and Beyond fitness & nutrition, our nutrition counseling team always preaches, Consistency trumps perfection. Enjoy your holiday and then go straight back to your healthy habits.

Final Tips for a Healthy, Happy Thanksgiving

• Schedule lighter meals for the days before and after Thanksgiving.
• Exercise your body all weekend long—even brief walks are beneficial.
• Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner guilt-free.
• Keep leftovers straightforward and nutritious.
• Beware of sweets, but don’t fret.
• Jump right back into your routine the next day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving should be fun and special. With a bit of planning, you can indulge in every bite and stay on track with your goals.

If you’d like more support with healthy eating or exercise, consider working with a personal trainer or go in for nutrition counseling at Basics and Beyond fitness & nutrition.