Trainers "GUIDE" to Thanksgiving!

I was asked yesterday by a client, "is Thanksgiving just a terrible Holiday as a trainer"? And I admit the question made me laugh, because yes clients often stray from their fitness goals during this one day, but it hardly makes me dread it. I understand it is real life, and it is a time of year that brings together families, friends, traditions, and FOOD. That clients question got me thinking, do my clients really know how I feel about the Day of Thanks and what I expect of them when it comes to nutrition? That thought is what drove me to write this brief trainers "guide" to Thanksgiving.

The point of Thanksgiving is in its name, the day is meant to be a time to give thanks for what each of us have in our lives. Though, it has morphed into this holiday to indulge in "having" too much, particularly food. Now don't get me wrong, I looooove food too. And I will be partaking in the annual FEAST that my in-laws will be providing... But after years as a trainer I have come up with some important but reasonable rules that one can follow in order to maintain a healthy & fit lifestyle through Thanksgiving! Here are my Top 5:

1. Enjoy It!
Enjoy the holiday, your family, customs, traditions, and yes the food. I'm not dumb, I know you're going to eat more than you should, or foods that you normally wouldn't dare... so if I tell you to NOT have any at all it just sets you up for failure. So eat, just keep it in moderation! Choose smaller portions of all your favorites and enjoy them. If you want stuffing or pumpkin pie, have a small piece NOT the whole thing! This will keep you satisfied and not feeling deprived which would lead to overindulging later. 

2. Create You Own!
Whether you are hosting at your house, or going to the in-laws, make a dish that you know is healthy and you can be confident in your consumption. Find a recipe for a healthy option for one of your favorite dishes, or best bet is to go with the veggie platter. Having a healthy option that you can go to will help you curb cravings and will leave you feeling successful that you could control your intake.

 3. Move!
Yes, it's that simple. Move! Find a local class or event, such as Turkey Busta'Rymes Bootcamp with A-Z Fitness, that is offered Thanksgiving morning in downtown Boise before your other festivities begin. You could also burn some extra calories by going for a walk or hike before the holiday meal, or start a new tradition with the classic family friendly football game in the backyard. Make it fun, as long as you are moving it will make a difference!

 4. One Day NOT Four!
This circles back to #1 Enjoy It, for one day not the entire weekend. It is too easy to keep that pile of leftovers in the fridge and keep eating those loaded calories for four days straight. Send them in goodie bags with family, the neighbors, or even the garbage. Do it!

 5. Give Thanks!
Actually using the day for its true purpose will let you have some time for reflection and clarity. Choose to "give Thanks" with your family around the table, with your children or spouse, or even quietly by yourself. Being honest and truthful for the things you have in your life can be encouraging and motivational. Use the holiday to remind yourself of your good health and that it is a gift and should be taken care of, this will help you stick to a lifestyle of health & fitness.

 There you have it. I hope this helps you. Go have a wonderful Healthy & Happy Thanksgiving!