Getting back on track after Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of most American’s favorite holidays.  It brings friends and family together to share a feast; it’s just a great holiday.  After Thanksgiving it can be difficult getting back on track with your diet and exercise routine. 

I try to reestablish my routine as soon as possible for a number of advantages:

·         Less weight fluctuations when readjusting my caloric intake.  Foods influence the brain's neurotransmitters and affect mood. Dietary strategies can help increase holiday joy without adding pounds.

o   Increase low Sodium and increase high potassium Foods.  By avoiding salty snacks and eating bananas may have a positive effect on mood which translates into less calories taken in.

o   Increase proteins and amino acids into your diet.  High protein foods metabolize slowly which make them less likely to cause fluctuations in blood sugar spikes that result in irritability and hunger.

o   Healthy fats increase good cholesterol and lower triglycerides and are vital to brain function. A study of 37 patients who visited a clinic for bipolar disorder showed that those given 1 to 2 g of omega-3 fatty acids per day had significantly lower levels of irritability that in turn lowered their poor eating habits. 

·         Reinforcing previously developed healthy eating habits

o   By getting back on track quickly you can minimize the impact that poor eating habits will have on your overall routine.

·         Getting a jump start for the upcoming Holiday, that’s right were not out of the woods yet, Christmas is right around the corner.

o   Take advantage of the lull between thanksgiving and Christmas to get ahead of the game from a nutritional perspective

o   Pre-plan meals and snacks to insure you have plenty of safe foods on hand when the holiday arrives.

o   Insure your hydration habits are robust, you will find it easier to grab a glass of water instead of a high calorie snack when the urge hits.

·         Reestablishing my exercise routine

o   Exercise decreases stress hormones, such as cortisol and increases endorphins

o   Exercise increases feel good chemicals naturally released by the body like adrenaline, serotonin and dopamine

For me my body and my mind are ready to jump back into a routine and I am excited to get back on track.  And after a strong work out I feel great.  I am more relaxed and I feel stronger mind body and soul.