Two Turkey Legs

Every year Thanksgiving presents itself as both a day of thanks and feasting. For anyone who has struggled with their weight, it represents a national day of will power and control. How many of you can raise your hand at your computer and say, “Yes, I have eaten 4 times my body weight today?”

In 1621, after a year of eating grass and shoes, the Pilgrims celebrated a bountiful crop with the help of the locals. They celebrated their good fortune for three days, for they were part of the lucky group. Only 46 out of 102 Mayflower voyagers had eaten enough to make it across the Atlantic. It was truly a time to be thankful for being alive and surviving in a new land.

Fast forward to 2006…46 million turkeys tremble, in-laws emerge and business prepares for the $457.4 billion holiday season. For people watching the scale or their waistline it is D-Day. Thanksgiving can be a day that no matter how strong the will power, temptation overrules. Many are subjected to a table full of delicious foods calling them to have snacks, seconds, and dessert and more snacks – which fill the fridge with the next day’s feast!

How can you keep the fitness faith and still not act neurotic during this wonderful day of thanks? Exercise in the morning, stuff only the bird and watch the alcohol! Everyone should celebrate family, friends and food on Thanksgiving and it takes just a few extra steps to enjoy the day and not feel guilty.

Keep these tips in mind and enjoy your day. Remember, 46 people worked very hard for you to see this day; continue to work hard all year at fitness and your health and celebrate that commitment.

• Workout for at least 15 minutes a day between now and the 23 rd
• Commit to a good workout on Thanksgiving morning – it will make everything taste better and keep the guilt in check. A walk, cardio workout, weights, bands, ball…anything that gets the muscles moving and the heart rate above couch potato will suffice.
• Don’t go back for seconds – have big firsts and eat slowly. Two turkey legs make you look like a Viking!
• Watch the alcohol. Not only is it full of calories, but too many spirits tend to unravel any commitment against “seconds” and that extra helping of pie.
• Don’t be hard on yourself. Stress has shown to increase weight gain. It is a day of Thanks ~ enjoy life!

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