I know I’m not the only who loves Thanksgiving dinner and can definitely over-do it when it comes to dishing up turkey, Grandma’s mashed potatoes and gravy, and of course, pumpkin pie. I’m not going to write this and tell you not to enjoy all of those things, but I am going to give you a few tips on how to balance it out and avoid the “itis.”

1. Eat a solid breakfast. Starting the day off with eggs and fruit will give a good base for the day and keep you full to avoid mindless snacking. The worst thing to do is to skip a meal, so please do not skip breakfast. Personally, I would avoid cereal, toast, etc… because you will likely be over-indulging in heavy carbs the rest of the day.
2. Workout in the morning. You might need to get up a little bit earlier, but it’s best to get your workout in before the “hooplah” of the day begins. The later into the day you wait, the less likely you are to do it. Even if it’s a short workout, doing something will make you feel better the rest of the day.
3. Veggies, cheese, nuts. Snacking throughout the day can be alright, but the key is choosing the right things. Veggies are (of course) the best option, cheese and mixed nuts are pretty good snack options as well. When snacking, fill up a small plate with the ‘best’ options, enjoy the snacks, and try to avoid eating something every time you walk by the spread.
4. Stay Hydrated. Don’t forget that you should still be drinking about a gallon of water each day. Feeling hungry can easily be disguised as thirst, so be sure to drink lots of water throughout the day.
5. Make a Healthy Side. To be sure you have a healthier option to choose from, be the one to bring it (or ask your mom to)! My two favorites are Green Beans with Almonds and roasted vegetables, such as green peppers, sweet potatoes (or squash), onion, and carrots.
6. Load up your plate in this order: ‘clean’ vegetables first, then turkey, followed lastly by mashed potatoes, stuffing, then gravy. Your entire plate does not really need to be topped with gravy. Take your time to eat, enjoy your food, and if you still feel hungry, then you can enjoy seconds of turkey and vegetables. Don’t forget to save room for one slice of pumpkin pie (the better option when compared to pecan pie).
7. Most importantly, enjoy the day with your family and friends!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Coach Cota