Thanksgiving-eatingTips

Thanksgiving and the Holidays parties are in full swing and because I am always so aware and proactive about my health I wanted to put out Elsamart's Tips for Eating during The Holidays.

It is said that the average American gains 7-10 extra pounds from Thanksgiving to New Years Eve. Seven to ten, ya'll!!! You are talking to a 35-year-old woman who is in better shape and a size 4 compared to my college early 20s when I was, at my curviest, a size 10. I changed my eating habits, cut out red meats and upped my workouts from just jogging to yoga, pilates, weights, kickboxing and more. When the holidays approach I feel like I am one of the few who don't dread gaining weight, or ever worse: trying to lose it. It's all about knowledge and discipline. And respect for your health and body :)

Avoid: Cured meats laden with salt and desserts containing large quantities of white flour and sugar are just the type of holiday favorites no one needs. They’re the foods that give us a sense of heaviness and drowsiness after we’ve consumed them. If you feel like falling asleep after you’ve eaten, that’s a very good barometer that you ate the bad, over processed food. Some people call it the 'food coma'. I have to say that I have NEVER felt this way after the holidays. I might be tired due to other reasons, but certainly not wanting to pass out from eating too much.

Balance: As usual, moderation is the key. Go for more fresh foods, such as vegetables, and less highly processed foods, such as a supermarket pie. Which is not to say you can’t eat a piece of pie. It is said that if you have good veggies and protein on the table and there’s not a lot of cream and butter on them then yes, have a dessert, it’s not going to tip you over the edge. If you have three desserts in one day, that’s going to tip you over the edge. (editor's note - I am DEFINITELY having about 3 different, if small portions, of desserts tomorrow. Maybe even ... -gasp- 4!!)

Control: It’s not unusual for people to eat a whopping 2,000 calories in one sitting over the holidays, especially when it comes to Thanksgiving meals. Experts say there’s just no excuse for consuming that much food. Take the skin off your turkey, skip the gravy and stuffing, forget the butter on your mashed potatoes, and show a little respect for yourself! Especially when it comes to that other holiday indulgence – alcohol. If you are going to drink - try red wine (which is healthy for the heart, at least, and watch out for those high calorie fru-fru drinks!) Or even better - be the designated driver and limit yourself to one drink only!

Knowledge is power! Be thankful for your health and body! Drink lots of water before eating to fill you up and try to take a walk that evening to help your food settle.
Best Wishes to my readers...