Holiday can ruin habits

More than any other holiday, Thanksgiving is responsible for undoing the best intentions of well-meaning dieters.

The problem is not just this day of food indulgence; Thanksgiving seems to kick-off the eating season. Make this year different and avoid the "snowball" effect caused by that innocent turkey.

Do not forget exercise on Thanksgiving Day. Most people will skip their normal routine because they are busy with relatives and guests. The easy way to avoid this is to get up extra early and hit the gym.

Recruit other relatives and make the morning a big family walk while the turkey cooks. By adding moral support, you will be less inclined to sleep in and skip your routine. Also, everyone will feel better physically and mentally by getting outside.

The actual components of a traditional Thanksgiving meal are not that terrible. Turkey is a lean meat, yams are low in fat and rich in vitamins, and vegetables can be eaten in abundance. The foods that are most detrimental for the waistline are drenched in gravy, sauces and cheeses. Eat these side dishes in moderation and fill up on foods that are less fattening.

Pumpkin pie with whipped cream is a traditional desert. Many magazines are offering suggestions on how to make this yummy treat less fattening. Many times we are so full that we barely can taste the pie, yet we eat it anyway.

Don't be afraid to save desert for the next day. Also, you cannot worry about offending someone who insists that you try everything they have prepared. Take enough on your plate to taste it but there is no need to eat everything in site.

The day after Thanksgiving is usually another day of lounging around and eating leftovers. Again, use this "free day" to get back to your regular routine. Go for a walk, head to the gym or call a friend and go skating. The longer you deviate from your exercise routine, the tougher it will be to get going again.

Finish your day with a light salad for dinner or just a cup of soup. You and your stomach will be thankful for the break from digesting all of those heavy foods.

The average American will gain seven pounds during the time from Thanksgiving to New Years. Does that sound like your case scenario? If so, you need to look at each day and make a plan of attack.

If you know you will be attending a holiday party in the evening, then you should eat in moderation during the day. Also, a good tip is to eat before you go to the party that way you will not overindulge on fattening appetizers. Just because it is the holiday season does not mean that every day you should eat like you're celebrating.

As you can see, Thanksgiving does not need to be the start of the decline in your health and fitness. It is quite possible to maintain your weight during this time of year and even possible to improve your physique.

Yes, it takes determination and will power but it is possible. The key is to choose the appropriate times to indulge. Eating a whole cheesecake at midnight will make a dent in your program. Eating a slice of pie after getting home from your noon workout will not hurt you at all.

Best wishes for the holiday season and keep healthy.

Kim Springer and her husband, Mike, are Certified Personal Trainers and owners of Springer Training. They can be reached at 233-9442 or at their Web site www.springertraining.com.