Ok, let’s be real, I’ve been hungry since Monday, while thinking of the goodies my mom is going to prepare for us on Thanksgiving. However, I am also lucky enough to have a mom who understands her baby boy can’t eat like a teenager anymore, and still hope to have the look, energy, and strength of one.

It’s taken a lot of trial and error over the past few years; however, mom and I have finally figured it out and are working together to make sure we all (my family) can live as healthy as possible throughout the year, and yet, not blow it all in one day…that day we all look forward to, in order to get our grub on, Thanksgiving day.

I know you may ask, well what am I suppose to do or eat in order to not add unnecessary pounds over the holiday, while at the same time, not tick my mom or grandmother off, by not eating everything they throw at me? Luckily, you have your boy here to take care of all of the guesswork.

In fact, not only will I give you 6 easy tips to get you through one of the biggest feasts of the year, but I will even throw in a little something to get your metabolism going and burn some extra calories as well. Eh hmmmm…just because I am going to give you something to burn extra calories, does not mean take in more calories, in hopes that my little sumthin sumthin will take care of that.

Ok, here go…

1) Drink lots of water throughout the day. It suppresses the appetite and is something everyone should do year round. As a matter of fact, make sure to drink a cup of water before each meal, as well as drink a cup once every waking hour.

2) Here’s one of my little secrets I use throughout the year at social events. Limit alcohol consumption. Remember that alcohol contains almost as many calories per gram as fat. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or diet club soda while you’re at a party. I usually drink one glass of water per alcoholic drink.

In terms of what to drink, I try to avoid mixed drinks with soda and juices, because of their high sugar content, Also, watch out with the brews, while watching my Dallas Cowboys kick butt on Thanksgiving day. Yes, I know the Cowboys can drive many to drinking more. However, keep the beer count low, and go “Lite.”

3. Snack on fruits, vegetables and high-fiber foods whenever possible. Dried fruits are healthy and a good alternative to many sweet snacks such as cookies and candy.

4. Don’t “save up” your day’s meals for “the big one” that night. You’ll get too hungry and over-eat to compensate for those missing meals. Thanksgiving day should include a substantial, healthy breakfast and a normal size lunch. Then, when dinnertime arrives you won’t be too famished to practice portion control.

Also, when it’s time for dinner, make sure that your lean meats and veggies consume the majority of your meal. Yes, more turkey and steamed veggies, and less dressing and buttered bread.

5. Get your tookus outside and play some football with the family, walk the dog, walk with some family members and catch up on things, play with the kids; you get the picture. If you need a little help on what to do…see the next tip.

6. Finally, here’s my little gift to you. Here’s a quick bodyweight workout you can do when you first get up in the morning, an hour before lunch or dinner, and/or later in the afternoon in order to keep your metabolism running and calories burning (even when the tryptophan from the turkey kicks in later that night, and you fall asleep.

As a matter of fact, you can do a set of each of these exercises during each commercial during the big game. It sure beats munching on chips and pie for 3 straight hours. Check this out…

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The following workout uses only your bodyweight; however, when performed as followed, you will not only keep or build up your strength levels during the holidays, you will also get a good cardio workout without running a few miles.

Perform the following 4 exercises one right after the other for the given amount of reps, without resting in between all four.

Once you complete all fous exercises, rest for 60 seconds, and begin the cycle of all four back to back again.

You will repeat this pattern 4 times. Drink a cup of water before you begin, sip water during this quick workout, and drink a cup after. Play your cards right, and you may actually go against the grain and “lose” extra pounds this Thanksgiving weekend. Have fun, be safe, and I am truly thankful to be a friend to you all.

1. Squat x 12
2. Push Up x 10 (can also be performed on your knees)
3. Jumping Jacks x 25
4. Dips x 10 ( you can perform these on a steady chair, couch, stair step, even on the bumper of your car.

(As always, make sure you are medically cleared to begin any form of exercise, and always exercise at your own pace.)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincere~
“The People’s Trainer” ®
http://www.sincerehogan.com
www.joshoneonline.com