Healthy Thanksgiving Strategies AND Cookbook

The month of November and December are my favorite months of the entire year!  But during these months I also have the hardest time staying on track with my health and fitness goals.  With travel and spending time at other houses it's not always easy to control the types of foods we will be around.  And for me - if I see it - I will think about it!  Especially cookies and sweet treats!

I've found a few simple strategies to help me stay on track through the Thanksgiving holiday.

1.  Plan to exercise each day during the holiday week and especially the day of the holiday.  I always schedule these workouts to ensure that I make time between travel and everything else.  AND exercise keeps me in a good mood too!

2.  I don't skip breakfast on Thanksgiving day to ensure that I'm not "starving" by the time we eat lunch and supper.  This also helps to keep our blood sugar steady to that we don't have cravings!  I always have Shakeology for breakfast because I know that this is the easiest way to ensure that I'm having healthy and complete nutrition.

3. Another great tip is to pack healthy snacks such as vegetable sticks or fruit or nuts to ensure that you can eat every 4 to 6 hours.  This is great for travel also.

4. Portion sizes are key!  And our plates should have more vegetables than anything else.  My favorite way to measure portions is to use the 21 Day Fix system! (Ask me about this -- it's one of my favorites!!)  Another easy way to judge the correct portion size of each type of food is to use your hand.  
        For example:
        -  Lean protein - what can fit in the palm of 
           your hand
        -  Fruits & vegetables - what can fit into 2       
           cupped hands
        -  Starchy complex carbohydrates (such as 
           whole grain) - what can fit into one cupped 
           hand

5.  Try to eat stabilizing foods during the day. Keep your blood sugar and energy levels steady all day with lean protein, healthy fats, slow-release high fiber carbs (whole grains, fruits/veggies & beans) and leafy veggies.  

6. Decide on the sweet treat or indulgent treat ahead of time then limit yourself to a small serving.  Remember that it is OK to have a treat once in a while!  We all deserve it!

7.  A great way to fell better after eating is to get outside for a walk or bike ride.  Enjoy the beautiful weather and work off some of the calories.

I've also complied a collection of HEALTHY Thanksgiving recipes that I would LOVE to share with you!  Fill out the quick form below and I will email the collection to you.  These recipes will help you and your family have a healthier Thanksgiving.