By Naci Melzer, Camelback Personal Trainer
Thanksgiving is all about family, friends, food, and drinks… and more food! With all the holiday fun, it can be challenging to continue your healthy routine. If you are determined to stay on track with your fitness goals despite the holiday, then keep these tips in mind:
Prepare the days before Thanksgiving
Stick to your exercise routines as much as possible. If you are short on time, schedule an appointment with a personal trainer or take an exercise class to get an efficient workout in less time. Also, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats leading up to the big feast. Wise choices before the holiday leads to smarter choices on the day itself.
Stay active
Sign up for a local race or fun run Thanksgiving morning. Get in an early morning workout at the gym or do an at-home circuit workout. Invite family and friends to go on a walk or bike ride. Keep moving — and make it a family affair!
Portion control
With all the tempting food choices, it’s easy to overindulge. — and then perhaps regret it later. Survey the spread and choose your absolute holiday favorites. There is no reason to deprive yourself on a special holiday — just take smaller portions and enjoy them in moderation. Go for quality versus quantity, and be aware of your liquid calories as they tend to add up quickly.
Savor and enjoy
Engage in conversations and eat slowly. Give your stomach and brain time to communicate how full you are before taking second helpings. Enjoy your food and the company — then decide if you really to fill your plate again. Have that piece of pie, but keep it to a sliver or a bite.
Day after Thanksgiving
Get right back to your exercise routine. Make plans to meet a friend to workout, sign up for a class or schedule an appointment with a trainer so you can stay accountable. Eat healthy and hydrate to get your metabolism back on track.
About the Author:
Naci graduated from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology. She moved from Minnesota to Phoenix and started training at the Village in 1998. Naci played college volleyball and basketball. She ran the Chicago marathon and completed in multiple distance running and road bike races. Naci enjoys running, hiking, biking and rollerblading.
