Hour-by-Hour Thanksgiving Day survival guide

Turkey day is almost here, and your mouth may be already watering at the thought of savory casseroles, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Now it this time to figure out your game plan to get through the day, enjoy your meal family meal, and not have the guilt afterwards.

Registered dietician, author, and national media personality Dr. Felicia Stoler is coming to town Mon, Nov 19 ^th- Tues, Nov 20 ^th to give her hour-by-hour survival guide for the holiday. Tips include:

1.     Make sure to get a full night’s sleep the night before. Thanksgiving day will likely be stressful, and a lack of sleep will take its toll.

2.     Eat breakfast.  Don’t save up for the big meal. Eating right away in the morning will help get your metabolism moving, and prevent you from overeating later in the day.

3.     Work out. Another metabolism booster—it is easier to have the motivation to exercise right when you wake up, rather than after a heavy meal that makes you sleepy. Don’t have time to hit the gym? Don’t worry, household chores and cleaning counts!

4.     Drink water throughout the entire day.

5.     Put on your normal jeans, not those baggy sweats that are a size or two too large.

6.     Snack. Chose a low-calorie healthy snack to help prevent overeating at the big meal.

7.     Season dishes with healthy herbs and condiments. Try and use as little butter as possible. Season dishes with fresh herbs if possible, otherwise dried herbs are ok. Try making some dishes with a little kick. Spicey foods are harder to eat in excess. Also consider an oil change. Palm fruit oil is a healthy alternative to olive and vegetable oil.

8.     Wait at least a half hour between dinner and dessert. Your brain will have to time to get the message to your stomach that you are full, and you won’t eat as much dessert… or any.

9.     Take a post dinner walk. If you are still awake and able to move, an after-dinner walk is a great way to speed up digestion.