Guilt Free Turkey Day

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His love endures forever"

-Psalm 107:1

WEBSITE: http://www.active.com/fitness/Articles/Fitness-Tips-for-Families.htm


Thanksgiving is one of the absolute greatest holidays. If you know me at all, you know I am absolutely obsessed with anything and everything related to Christmas, but Thanksgiving is a very close second. I love sitting around with family for hours, eating entirely too much, reflecting on the blessings in our lives, eating multiple pieces of pumpkin pie and of course the annual Lone Star Showdown (the 4 Aggie kids agaisnt my Longhorn mom!) I have an amazing group of students whom I absolutely adore but I honestly could not be more ready for an entire week to relax!!

Not even the most extreme dieters skip on indulging on Thanksgiving. Calories don't count on this day right?! Ha I wish! Well, I give you freedom to enjoy the day...don't let loose and just go crazy but it is OK to get that extra serving of stuffing!

What about burning a little calories before the fest begins? Some tips for a pre-meal "exercise" that can still be fun and family-oriented.

1. Sign up for a turkey trot. Most areas have 5k or 10k runs that you can participate in, whether you run or walk. It would be fun for the family to do together. Just don't eat the turkey before the run-L tryptophan really does make you sleepy!!

2. Pick-up a football. Whether you are good or not, a little game of pick up is always a blast and I am sure the neighbors will be out doing the same.

3. In my house it is not a true family gathering until we get up and play the wii or rockband. You are probably thinking there is not much cardio involved here...you haven't seen the way we play yet!

4. Assuming it is a pretty day, get out to a park and then enjoy your surroundings. Throw the frisbee, walk around, and just get going!


What do you do to get going before you dig in to the family feast?

Cranberry Chutney (Active.com):

-1 16-oz can Cranberry Sauce

-1/2 cup raisins

-1/2 cup peeled, diced apple

-1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar

-1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons white vinegar

-1/8 teaspoons ground all spice

-1/8 teaspoons ginger

-1/8 teaspoons cinnamon

-Dash ground cloves

Combine all in a medium saucepan and cook on medium/high heat until apples are tender (30ish minutes). Chill until served.

33 calories, 0 g fat, 9 g carbs