Your Eating Orders For The Holidays

Man do I love food! To be quite honest, it’s a big part of why I exercise so much! I can appreciate that and admit it (clients do too) because I’m human. Now don’t get me wrong, I love to work out too but it never hurt to have a few too many french fries or finishing my daughter’s desert to give me the kick in the butt I need to go to the gym the next day.

Yep… I’m a personal trainer who doesn’t pretend or preach (at least I don’t think so) about how perfect or straight up your diet should be. But that doesn’t give you permission to go hog-wild every 2nd or 3rd day because “Sam says it’s ok to cheat once in a while”. Nope. What I am saying is if you put 100% of your heart and soul into your health on a daily basis and want to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner; go for it!!  

Remember the 80/20 rule? I’m a master at it because I just love food too darn much!  And it’s not that I eat crap (remember; crap that goes in, just comes out) but I can have a BIG appetite so I have to (MUST) balance that with making sure I visit the gym 5 days per week so I can still enjoy what I love so much.

However!!  The 80/20 rule “really” is if you are maintaining your present state. If you are working towards a goal to lose weight, you have to sacrifice somewhat to get to where you want to be. That’s just common sense.

So for those of you who are worrying about Thanksgiving dinner, do what I do and take a deep breath. If you set your expectations too high and unrealistic, that’s a sure fire way to fail. Instead, focus on enjoying your food but being smart and all is good in the battle of food and family.

First, place a bushel (ALOT) of vegetables on your plate before you grab the turkey and only have ONE small scoop of mashed potatoes and stuffing. If you don’t eat any, there’s a good chance you will eat more of something else you shouldn’t have because you felt deprived – and that’s no way to spend Thanksgiving. If you are offered seconds, take some more veggies but politely decline anything else. YOU are the only one in control of what you put into your mouth so do you want to enjoy and be proud or indulge and regret?

Secondly, eat slowly and enjoy your food. Shovelling not only doesn’t look nice but what are you rushing for? It’s Thanksgiving; a time to be “thankful” and enjoy time with family and friends. You will be flabbergasted at how quickly you will fill up on a smaller amount of food because you took the time to eat and your brain had time to feel “full”. And hey….if the second do get past around, you just might be too full to have anymore. (Imagine that)

All the while, drink 1 glass of water in between alcoholic drinks. Wine, martini’s and other mixed drinks can pack a ridiculous amount of empty calories so try and be conscious from the beginning.

And after all the fun, food and frolic, please please pu-leeeeeaaasee don’t lie down after you eat. As difficult as it can be, especially once all the blood has rushed to your stomach to digest, don’t fall victim to the “turkey coma”. Instead, try and go for a walk and bring your family with you. Especially if you live in Toronto – the weather is supposed to be great so no excuses!!

Try these tips and let me know how it goes. Why not make this Thanksgiving one that wont make you cringe when you step on the scale the next morning.

 

 

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