How to Enjoy Thanksgiving Without the Pounds

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by Katelyn Chamberlin

Thanksgiving means four things: food, family, football and did I mention food? It’s easy to think about being healthy before the turkey and gallon of mashed potatoes are put on the table. If you’re really looking to stick to your diet while still being satisfied this Thanksgiving break, there are a few options.

Pre-game:

No, not that kind of pre-gaming. A different kind of preparation will do the trick. Before sitting down to eat, jump start your metabolism with some light exercising. A few sets of crunches and fifty jumping jacks will get your heart rate going enough to ensure a guilt-free start to your Thanksgiving feast.

Play-by-Play:

The biggest obstacle for eating healthy over Thanksgiving break is the pile of delicious food that will be sitting in front of you all day. While you do need to stay focused on the goal, it doesn’t mean you can’t indulge yourself.

A small amount of a bad thing isn’t always a bad thing. While eating loaded potatoes might not be the healthiest choice, eating small portions of the foods you love will help you feel satisfied later.

After-party:

While it’s very likely a nap will be desired after the big feast, refrain from doing anything that won’t require a little effort. Instead of laying back in the recliner, opt for a nice walk around the block instead. The fresh air will instantly give you an energy boost.

Also, keeping busy in the kitchen cooking or doing dishes will burn some of those extra calories the turkey packed on.

All in all, remember Thanksgiving break is meant to give students a relaxing break from classes and the everyday stresses that come with being at school.

“I don’t plan on eating healthy,” freshman Sean Eikenberry said. “I plan on stuffing my face with potatoes, gravy, stuffing and turkey!”

If dieting during your Thanksgiving feast does not sound appealing to you, don’t sweat it. After all, Christmas break is right around the corner.