For many of us, Thanksgiving is the closest we’ll get to the Olympics. With events like brunch, dinner with seconds and thirds, siesta, and dessert later in the day, it is hard for us to be able to come out of the holiday feeling like a champion. As usual Thanksgiving – 1, Me – 0. But not this year!
Here is a semi-foolproof plan to ensure you get the best out of your experience:
1. Stay Hydrated The Night Before
This will ensure that waking up you start on a clean and refreshed slate. The more hydrated you are waking up you will also have a lot more energy and a lessened appetite which will help you for the next tip!
2. Skim On BreakfastI’m not saying don’t eat at all! We all have a tendency on holiday mornings however to either make a big breakfast and grab a large order at Dunkin, Starbucks, and the worst of all… McDonald’s. This time around, go the light and healthy route to leave room for the main event!
3. Avoid the Kitchen Until Food Is Served
The last thing you need to do is torture yourself. All the smells in the kitchen will entice you to do bad things such as eating your whole pantry or sampling your dinner so you’ll be full before the actual meal begins! Just stay away.
4. Go Do Errands For Mom
and Dad
We all know there are last minute
things they forgot when buying the necessities for each recipe. As a way of
showing your gratitude beforehand, don’t sit around waiting, but help out! This
will also preventing you from being tempted at the house. Even bring a friend!
5. Eat Slowly
Here it is… the main event! It's not a myth, when you eat slower your brain indeed registers the feeling of being full a lot faster. So therefore when you eat slower you can savor every bite and avoid the usual stomachache that follows binge eating.
6. Take Five-Minute Social Media Breaks
Check out Instagram, Snapchat, etc., and look at everyone in their holiday apparel as well as what their feast looks like. If you want to pace yourself I suggest squeezing the social media breaks between every few bites. This is simply just to regulate your breathing because I know you have yet to come up for air!
7. Nap and Netflix
After the main course is over it’s time to go into a food coma. Whether it’s a nap or Netflix, you need to recovery. Eat, sleep, Netflix, repeat. Live by this mantra and I’m sure Thanksgiving will work in your favor. This will give you time to digest for either seconds or dessert!
8. Go Crazy on Dessert
If thus far you have been following my instructions, then you’ve earned the right to go crazy. Cookies, brownies, pies, oh my! In a way you’re doing yourself a favor, but intentionally having a sugar rush. After you burn through all the sugar you’ll be past out and ready for another day of eating. Just try to be in bed early!
Let’s be real, even with these tips Thanksgiving probably defeated you once again! And honestly if you’re extra concerned participate in a charity 5K to make both your soul and your body feel better… there’s always next year!
