How to Watch Your Weight on Thanksgiving

People run on treadmills at a New York Sports Club in Brooklyn, New York. (Getty)

Some of us love to wait for Thanksgiving to really indulge on our favorite treats, and why not? It only happens once a year and everyone does it, right? We all know that gaining weight during this time is sometimes inevitable. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be conscientious about what we are putting into our bodies. Here are some tips to keep it together during Thanksgiving dinner:

EXERCISE off the extra calories: We all know that now is prime time to keep it moving. Taking a good yoga class or spinning can be a great way to take your mind off the stress that comes with overeating or holiday duties. Plus, what better way to burn some extra pounds and stress than having an hour to focus on feeling good in your body?

FOCUS on activities: Thanksgiving, aside from being a time to give thanks for what you have, is also a great time for family, friends and community. So instead of sitting around the dining table, create an activity that doesn’t involve food. Playing games, making wreaths, taking pictures for Instagram will keep your attention off food for a while. These are great ways to also enjoy what the holidays are about, spending time with people who you care about and love.

PORTION control: You do not need to fill up your plate. Sometimes our eyes are bigger than our stomachs. Portion control is key during the Thanksgiving Day feast. Plus, you can a wider variety if you serve yourself smaller portions. Portions should be as big as the palm of your hand, not your entire hand.

EAT a healthy breakfast: We all know that skipping meals is not healthy. We want our metabolism to be able to function at its most optimal capacity. If you eat a healthy breakfast, you are less likely to overindulge later in the day. Try not to be starving when you show up for dinner, this will make your turkey day meal more enjoyable.

ENJOY your food: What is the point of this traditional fabulous feast if you can’t enjoy yourself? There have been so many times when we allow the inner critic to bring us down when we have ‘overindulged.’ The truth is it happens. Don’t beat yourself down for it, keep it positive and just allow yourself to enjoy your meal. One piece of pie isn’t the end of the world. An entire pie is a different story. Try to be compassionate to yourself during this time. You will be less stressed out if you accept a hiccup on the diet front.

This is the only time of year where we can really enjoy all the decadent treats without feeling like you’ve fallen off the wagon. Be honest with yourself and treat yourself with compassion if you happen to overindulge. As always, try to keep your recipes and meals using the freshest and natural products possible. Happy Thanksgiving!