Annual Turkey Day Tips

Well it’s that time of year again – time for my annual Turkey Day tips! It was two years ago this week when I launched the blog and my first post was about how you can eat healthy and stay active during the Thanksgiving holiday. So why break a tradition?  I hope you enjoy this year’s tips and can apply them somehow over the next week. Like I always say, enjoy the yummy food but in moderation.

Well, this year I am going old school, I am actually road-tripping to Memphis, TN for the holiday and for a girlfriend’s wedding over the weekend. It’s a 13-hour car ride from DC to Memphis. I am trying not to think about that considering I start squirming after 3 hours on a 5-hour flight to LA.  But when you wait too late to book your flight, this is what happens. So off we go!  In honor of my road trip this year, here are tips for all of the car travelers.

Pack your own healthy snacks. While it is tempting to stop for food off of the highway, you have to remember you will rarely run into healthy options. You are going to primarily run into a Burger King, Arby’s, McDonald’s, or Cinnabon. So do your body and your wallet a favor and bring your own snacks/meals.  Stop at your local grocery store and pick up apples, granola mix, cheese, ready-made meals from the deli (not the frozen section) or whatever you like. And sure we all want some hot food on a chilly, Fall day, especially in a car. Pack up some chili or stew and store it in a thermal container.

Choose healthier options from fast food stops. If you must eat off of the side of the road, then try to resist the Super Size, double cheeseburger, fries and Chocolate Frosty. Grab a salad or the broiled options opposed to the fried options. If you have time to stop and sit down to eat, there is always an IHOP or full service restaurant along the way. They tend to have more options that are healthy than fast food places.

Stick to regular eating habits and times. I don’t know about you but when I am in a car for a long period of time, I tend to eat more than usual. A snack here, a meal there, another snack here. Before you know it all of the cookies are gone and the chips are next. Resist overeating. If you are bored, get a book you have been wanting to read or do a puzzle. Often when we don’t have anything to do, our impulse is to stuff our mouths.

Take stretch breaks. All of that sitting and eating can’t be good, especially if you are going the fast food route. Make a point to stop and get those limbs moving. Do some stretches, park the car and walk around the gas station lot or do a quick race with the kids. Quick sprints tend to burn calories faster anyway. On your mark, get ready, get set, GO!!!

To those of you traveling by plane or train, you can definitely apply many of these tips. Airports don’t have the healthiest options of food either, especially in the smaller airports. Regardless of how you are traveling this year, remember to keep it healthy. Eat in moderation and don’t remain too sedentary over the next four days. Enjoy this time with your family and friends and cherish every moment!

Happy Thanksigiving!