The Perfect Way to Enjoy Thanksgiving + Avoid Weight Gain!

Are you prepared for Thanksgiving? Did you know the average person consumes 4,500 calories / 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving? And 3,500 calories = 1 pound of weight, so you could easily add an extra pound in just one day! But do not worry, because I am going to show the perfect way to enjoy your Thanksgiving meal + avoid gaining weight!

Yes, you can enjoy all the delicious foods on Thanksgiving without feeling guilty. As one of my favorite dishes is pecan pie; hello 500 calories! But I will savor every bite and not worry about putting on the extra weight that week; because here is what I do to avoid the typical holiday weight gain. I increase my workouts (days & intensity) that week, so I can enjoy my meal, knowing that I am burning off those extra calories !

So here is a weekly workout designed just for you during the holiday week to help you keep the extra weight off and be able to enjoy the turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pies, etc!  And I have kept it simple with a workout for each day; but feel free to add your own workout.

FitFab Thanksgiving Week Workout Schedule

Every day this week is linked to a workout, so just hit the link below and follow along!  Also every day, I have added a “Thought for the Day” & “Tip of the Day” too.

Monday: Thankful for Strength

Thankful: What are you thankful for?

Christie: I am thankful for my family, our health and for God’s abundant blessings in our lives!

Tip: Eat 5 “light meals” a day + drink 8 glasses of water to optimize your metabolism, energy levels & digestion. A typical schedule would be: breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner. But remember you need to keep it healthy by eating lean proteins, lots of veggies, some fruit and keep it light on the carbs. As there will be plenty of “un-healthy” food items for Thursday. So stay on track and eat healthy the other days.

Tuesday: Lift + Tone Your Pumpkin Bum

Pumpkins: Did you know pumpkins are filled with vitamins, minerals & antioxidants? What is your favorite way to eat pumpkin?

Christie: I’m not a pumpkin pie fan, but I do love healthy pumpkin bread or muffins! Also Trader Joe’s pumpkin soup!

Tip: When doing this lower body workout, I want you to concentrate on slow, controlled movements to increase the intensity of your workout. I promise you will feel the effects in your quads, glutes & hamstrings! Plus, these large muscle groups are excellent for burning extra calories too! Also, I would add a quick HIIT before the workout for added fat burn.

Wednesday: 7 Best Bodyweight Exercises to Fall For

Fall: Why do you love Fall?

Christie: Fall in Arizona is awesome, because that means we survived another summer, LOL; but seriously I love Fall for football games, hockey season, snuggly weather, sweaters, jeans, fireplaces . . . I love the whole season but most of all, because that means getting the family together for Thanksgiving!

Tip: You don’t have to give up carbs completely to lose weight; but when you eat them only during breakfast or lunch, there are greater benefits. Because eating carbs at night will spike your blood sugar, which will cause your body to release insulin & cortisol that signals your body to store fat. Plus your bowels can get sluggish and sleep can also be effected too. So try to avoid carbs later in the afternoon and/or dinner.

Thursday: Amp It Up to Avoid the Turkey Weight

Turkey: Do you like turkey? If so, what is your favorite part?

Christie: I am not a big meat eater, but I will eat a little turkey, white meat only. As it’s one of the healthiest and best part of the meal for getting lean protein, niacin, Vitamin B6, tryptophan (amino acids, but not the cause for sleepiness . . . . that’s usually from the food coma!), zinc & B12.

Friday: Burn the Pie Calories + Strength Train

Pie: What is your favorite pie? Did you know pumpkin is the most popular, followed by pecan and then apple!

Christie: Well mine is pecan pie & I think it has the most calories too; yet I don’t care as it is my all time favorite pie. So the only time I eat it is on Thanksgiving, and I enjoy every single bite, guilt-free!

Tip: Should you do a sugar detox? Yes it is true that sugar overload can cause inflammation in your body. But if you eat lots of leafy green vegetables, drink lots of water and exercise (sweating is good for boosting energy but also normalizing insulin levels) then your body should naturally detox itself.

Saturday: Ready, Set, Lose the Stuffing & Let’s Hike

Stuffing: Do you like stuffing?

Christie: Stuffing is one of those dishes you either love or hate for Thanksgiving. I love stuffing, but not when it’s not cooked in the bird, as I like it crunchy from the oven!

Tip: There are some great super foods that will boost your immunity. Now stuffing is not one of them; but there are some great fall foods that are considered super foods. 1. Pumpkin, it is packed with nutrients & antioxidants plus it’s easy to add it to your favorite items, like a latte (at home, not the calorie-laden one at Starbucks) or healthy muffins. 2. Brussel sprouts, they are a powerhouse of antioxidants and you can roast them in the oven or just chop for a fresh salad. 3. Sweet potatoes are excellent for your immune system and gut health; plus it’s so easy to dice & roast in the oven. 4. Cinnamon has been shown to fight inflammation in the body, so sprinkle it in your coffee, muffins or oatmeal.

Sunday: Stretch Your Body Not Your Waist Size

Stretch: Do you like to stretch? Do you stretch?

Christie: Actually, I love stretching, but many times forget to do it. It’s a great habit to incorporate into your day. As a reminder, I leave my stretching strap on the floor at home & then I’ll remember to stretch !

Tip: Do a simple, extra workout each day this week. Because why not get extra exercise by going for a walk late in the day! I suggest keeping it simple, as you should have already finished your workout for the day; but get your body moving again late in the day. Because I know we all have a tendency to eat dinner, sit on the sofa and not move again until morning. So, you’ll get some extra calories burned for the day & it’s a great chance to unwind your body & mind before finishing up your day.

“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.”

– Maya angelou

How to Make it Happen

You must remember to keep focused and budget your time (schedule time now on your calendar) in order to get your workouts done. As its one of the best ways to avoid the typical Thanksgiving weight gain!  Then you can savor every delicious bite on Thanksgiving knowing you have increased your calories burned with your workouts during the week.  Another benefit,  you will notice your body more relaxed and recharged during a week that sometimes can be very stressful.

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Holiday Gift Giving Made Simple

Affordable gifts below for the athletic to the athleisure styled woman this holiday season.

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