I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a great and healthy thanksgiving. Please take this moment to reflect on all of the people, things, and experiences that we are grateful for.

I just returned from a much needed vacation in Europe a few hours ago, and while that is a blessing to be able to travel ad enjoy vacations, I am truly grateful to be back home.

I am even more grateful to spend the day with my family, who I missed like crazy while I was away. Nothing is more important than family (by birth or acquaintance) . Once we focus on that, all other blessings fall in to place.

The one other thing we can be thankful for, is our health, and our ability to make changes to better it. Every little bit counts. Here are 5 little tidbits that will help you stay on track during the holiday festivities:

1. Get up and eat - Don’t wait until T’giving dinner to have your first meal of the day. Carry on with your eating schedule as I have suggested on numerous occasions.

Get up, and grab a hearty, healthy breakfast. Have a small snack a few hours later, and you won’t have to worry about falling into a turkey-and-dressing- induced coma after dinner.

2. Focus your meals on lean protein, veggies, and fruits. Well, this is the one day you do not have to worry, for the most part, where you are going to find lean protein. Go for the turkey, hen, or chicken (especially the white meat), and add lots of veggies to your plate.

Both will surely make you feel fuller, faster, without adding a gang of empty calories. Oh, did I mention, that consuming lean protein, actually requires your body to burn even more calories, just to digest it? Yeah, that’s pretty playa. I know.

3. Drink it up! - Slow it down Alchy Pacino…I am referring to water. Drink a cup or two before each meal. Also, when drinking alcoholic beverages, follow each alcoholic drink with a cup of water in order to reduce dehydration (among many things).

You’ll also find less empty calories in the clearer alcoholic drinks. Try to keep the fruity, mixed drinks to a minimum or avoid them completely, as they are loaded with sugar and calories.

At the end of the day, nothing beats water, and unprocessed tea to keep you energized and feeling great during your holiday festivities.

4. Get on up! - A good to catch up on old times with family and friends after Thanksgiving dinner is to take a nice stroll around the block, park, or local school track (no that’s one place that should bring back memories).

Why not start a new family tradition. Instead of watching football for hours (unless it’s the Dallas Cowboys ; ), and sitting on your tokus, play a game of football, soccer, basketball, or dust off your old glove, and play a game of catch.

Do this for about 30 minutes, and you will surely work off Aunt Ruthie’s meatloaf. What exactly does she put in that meatloaf anyhow…..geez!

5. Be thankful & have fun - The healthiest thing you can do for your body is laugh and be stress free. That’s what being with the ones you love is all about. Leave the drama at the door, and soak up all of the good vibes of the day.

Take lots of pictures, recall great memories, honor those who may no longer be with you to enjoy this day, by celebrating their lives and remembering the great times you had with them.

I am truly thankful for all of you for allowing me to be a part of your lives, and being a part of mine. You have all truly helped me get through some trying times in the past year. I love you all, and have a great holiday.

Regards,

Sincere
“The People’s Trainer”
http://www.joshonesportsnutrition.com
http://www.joshoneinnercircle.com