Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Leftovers

Food is all that's on the brain. Turkey, stuffing, gravy, corn bread, ham, alllllll the works. But it's not just a one meal extravaganza, its the pre, during, post meals as well. It's getting drunk Wednesday night (tonight) and getting munchies on the ride home to stopping by different family houses on Thanksgiving, maybe a friends-giving and then the best part, the leftovers on Black Friday! It is a three day, maybe into your weekend if you're lucky of delicious homemade foods that are only acceptable to devour once a year. 



​So how can you stay on your healthy lifestyle journey without completely ruining it with three consecutive cheat days? It is possible! Here are the tips:

Thanksgiving Eve:
Drinking alcohol? Go for vodka or tequila and a splash of seltzer with lemons, limes, oranges, whatever the bartender will offer up to you. I personally like tequila with seltzer, 2 limes and an orange- it tastes like a stronger margarita to me. 

Hungry after your night out? As tempting as it is to stop at Rosa's Pizza in Penn Station while waiting for your train, don't let a couple slices of pizza mess you up! While it may not be the more appealing food choice, go for a sandwich or something with protein. Pizza usually consisting of cheese, dough and sauce isn't as filling if you grabbed a grilled chicken sandwich with lettuce, avocado and a little mayo. It's not "perfect" healthy eating, but way better for your body and more filling! 

Thanksgiving Day:
Hungover? Drink a nice large glass of lemon water and a coffee to wake yourself up. Although going for the greasy foods is always a hangover choice, cook up some eggs with veggies and bacon or sausage (your fatty desires) load it onto some Ezekiel toast and you're good to go! If eating out, ask for whole wheat toast or a whole wheat wrap, keep it egg whites and add avocado or some low fat cheese to add to the fatty greasy foods you desire. Try to avoid sugary drinks like Gatorade or Vitamin Water, instead have an unsweetened ice tea and add sugar in the raw, or stick to your coffee and lemon water. 

Thanksgiving Dinner:
Bring it on Grandma! If you're like me you have at least 3 stops before Thanksgiving dinner. Stopping at your friends house for apps, your significant others for early dinner, Grandma's for dinner and evening drinks with your cousins. While it is all exciting and filled of delicious foods, it is also filled with thousands of calories. We don't want to take away from our time with friends and family, or be that person that shows up with a protein shake and will only eat a salad so let's be smart about it. 
Appetizers: Shoot for the healthier items, vegetables and hummus dips, shrimp cocktails, even cheese and crackers with moderation.
Dinner: LOAD UP on proteins! Turkey, ham, chicken, whatever your family serves, take a decent size portion as well as the vegetables. Classics like green bean casseroles, sweet potato and marshmallows, cream of spinach are all amazing but you can probably find a few healthier choices. Stick to the regular green beans, sauteed vegetables, salad and any other fresh veggies. 
Dessert: UGH who can deny your Aunt's homemade apple or pumpkin pie? I'll answer that for you, no one. My advice? Go for it. Indulge on your dessert. Yes, I am sure there is a huge bowl of fruit salad and eat that also! But if there is a cookie or brownie, or a slice of pie calling your name, go enjoy it. 
Drinks: When eating, stick to water. Drinking alcohol? Still make sure to drink a glass of water in-between each alcoholic beverage to keep yourself hydrated. If you are a big drinker, I would stick to liquor like vodka or tequila as described above. If you are more of a casual drinker, red wine is actually recommended to have a glass a day. A glass of red wine is delicious and would actually benefit your diet. 
Leftovers: If you're like me, you have a brother who eats all the leftover before you can get to them. But if you are like me, don't be upset because he's doing you a favor! Try to stick to the left overs that won't screw with your diet like the veggies and proteins. Let anyone else in the house snack on those desserts at 2am. 

Enjoy your time with family and friends, give thanks to who and what you are thankful for. Be thankful for the beautiful body you have inside and out, regardless of where you are in your journey. Happy Thanksgiving from Fitness With Fi! XO 

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