Top 5 Ways to Make Thanksgiving Healthier

The holidays only come around once a year, so why not splurge carelessly and enjoy? 

Answer: because the excess unhealthy bodyfat gained during the holiday season doesn't usually get burned off.  This is equates to about an extra pound per year that we never get around to removing. And, if you think you're safe because you don't see your weight increase, then think again:  oftentimes we gain a pound of bodyfat while losing about a pound of healthy tissue, making our scale weight remain the same while our risk for heart disease rises.

With that in mind, I'd like to share the Top 5 tips collected from our fitness professionals in the field:

#5.  Take just ten minutes Thanksgiving morning to perform moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise.  Just ten minutes will likely burn approximately 100 calories, and will help your metabolism over the next few hours as well.  (If you can, get the family to go for a brisk walk after dinner also.)

#4.  Use fat-free chicken broth to baste the turkey.  This alone will save quite a few unhealthy calories without negatively affecting the taste.

#3.  Drinks lots of water that day!  This will help you to curb hunger and fill up faster.  Aim for, in ounces of water, at least your weight in pounds divided by two.

#2.  Prioritize the healthier, lower-fat & low-sugar options such as white turkey meat, plain vegetables, roasted sweet potatoes, and non-fat gravy.

And the #1 way to make your Thanksgiving healthier is to end your meal when you are "satisfied", not "full". Enjoy and savor every bite: this has a physiological effect on your body that will actually make you feel more "full" with less food and drink.  Chew slowly, laugh often, and enjoy your holiday meal with those you hold dear!

Like Perfect Personal Training LLC on facebook this week to win a free clinical fitness assessment before 2012!

To train with the natiowide health & wellness organization that ONLY employs degreed & certified fitness professionals, please visit http://perfectpersonaltraining.com or call (877)698-3648.   Gift certificates are easily available in any quantity!