Inside Look At The DAMAGE You Did To Your Body On Thanksgiving

Last Thursday, here in the states, most of us celebrated Thanksgiving.

Now, it is always a great time to celebrate with family, friends, and long-lost relatives.

But for those of you who are looking to lose weight – and most of us are – then Thanksgiving can cause worry when it comes to your ability to burn fat.

DAMAGE From Thanksgiving

Although Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks – and heaping platefuls of foods – it is also a time that may start a downward cycle towards weight gain.

The average Thanksgiving meal can range anywhere between 1000 calories to over 6000 calories (if you go up for seconds, thirds, or fourths!).

And all those extra calories – without exercising or limiting your intake – could easily put the brakes on your weight loss.

In fact, some people may gain as many as FIVE POUNDS between Thanksgiving and New Year’s!

Calories aside, Thanksgiving (or holiday dinners in general) may cause physiological changes in your body that could lead to severe health consequences.

All those starches, sugars, and breads may easily spike your blood sugar, which could spike your insulin levels.

And the higher your insulin levels – for long periods of time – may increase fat storage, therefore negating your weight loss efforts.

You may also consume more fat, which could promote greater fat storage and even inflammation.

Now, when inflammation is present, specific immune cells in your body (monocytes) may easily be transformed into cells (macrophages) which take up oxidized LDLs.

The result: increased cells that may have the ability to penetrate the walls of your arteries, therefore increasing inflammation levels, and potentially beginning the process of atherosclerosis.

Now, you may be wondering how much exercise you would need in order to burn off Thanksgiving dinner.

Well here is a short list:

6 ounces of dark turkey (which is roughly 350 calories) = = = =  > 30 minute jog or run

4 ounces of white turkey meat (roughly 153 calories and less fat) = = = = > 15 minutes of swimming freestyle laps

1 cup of mashed potatoes (roughly 237 calories plain.  Add more if you add butter and gravy) = = = = > brisk walking for an hour

1 roll with butter (roughly 180 calories) = = = = > 18 sets of push-ups for 20 reps (my personal favorite!)

1 cup of cranberry sauce (roughly 150 calories) = = = = > 20 minutes on a stepper or some other moderate intensity exercise

1 cup of stuffing (roughly 200 calories) = = = = > 20 – 25 minute bike ride at a moderate pace

1 slice of pie (anywhere between 300 to 500 extra calories) = = = = > dancing, hiking, or using an elliptical machine for the equivalent of an hour to an hour and a half

Now for those of you who enjoy a lot of these foods, there is no need to worry!

Because these next five tips may be perfect for preventing the Holiday Weight Gain.

Five Tips for Preventing Thanksgiving (or Holiday) Weight Gain

In order to prevent the holiday weight gain, here are five tips to keep in mind:

Tip #1: Eat slowly

Studies have shown that it takes your brain at least 20 minutes to register that there is food in your belly.

Eating slowly, and putting your fork down in between bites, may allow your brain more time to register that you are full – or at least that there is food in your stomach.

This could also allow you to enjoy the food you are eating a little bit more!

Plus, it could prevent overeating, which is one of the hallmarks of sabotage to weight loss!

Tip #2: Limit yourself to ONE plate

Thanksgiving – or any holiday – may be a time where you frequently go up for seconds, thirds, or sometimes even fourths!

And this could easily skyrocket your caloric intake, therefore leading to increased weight gain.

By limiting yourself to one plate – making it a small plate – may trick your brain into perceiving you are eating more than you actually are.

Studies have shown that this trick may cut down on the amount of calories you consume, plus leave you fuller and more satisfied!

Tip #3: Exercise before or after

There is no better way to boost your metabolism and continue your weight loss like exercising before or after your meal.

When you exercise, you burn extra calories which could make it a perfect addition to all holiday festivities.

Plus, exercising after your meal may help digestion, and get you off the couch – mostly when you’re ready to fall asleep – which keeps you active, alert, and burning more FAT.

Tip #4: Eat beforehand

The best way to prevent overeating during the holiday is to make sure you keep with your normal eating schedule.

Make sure to eat breakfast or lunch (if you eat dinner late) in order to prevent yourself from being overly hungry when you do finally sit down at the dinner table.

This may keep your metabolism rocking, enabling you to burn extra fat and still enjoy your holiday meal.

Tip #5: Enjoy

Finally, these tips may help you to keep your body burning fat and your weight loss goals on track.

However, indulging once (or twice) may not only boost your metabolism and speed up fat loss, but it will enable you to enjoy the holidays without overly stressing about your weight loss.

Remember, stress raises cortisol, which could increase fat storage, which would be counter-productive to your weight loss goals.

Holidays and Weight Loss

Following these five tips may keep your weight loss goals on track and give your metabolism a much needed boost during the holiday season.

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