How to Prepare for Turkey Tummy! 10 Easy Things!
- Start taking Probiotics now.
- Purchase your form of Zantac or Tums and slip some into your pocket or purse. Carry a few extra for a loved one.
- Drink lots of water – all week – before and after the event! In addition to the recommended 64 ounces, drink 2 portions of water for every 1 glass of wine; 3 portions for every portion of hard liquor; 1 to 1 equal portions for every beer. This is not proven science, just years of testing and experience. Trust me. You will also wake up happier.
- Contrary to popular advice, I recommend weighing yourself every day this week – just to stay in the general stratosphere of your current weight.
- Enjoy but make good choices. You don’t need to have a serving of every dessert, but if you feel compelled to taste test, make a plate of 2 bite servings. Consider sharing and experimenting with a friend.
- Eat as slowly as possible! Fight the urge to scramble and gorge. Likely there will be plenty of food. Not only will this give your brain time to realize your stomach is full, but the hosts will appreciate that their hours of preparation were for a dining experience longer than 5-10 minutes.
- You likely have the day off, right? Take a brisk walk in the morning and another before dessert. It’s okay to walk after dessert just be careful you don’t create the desire for “Second Dessert”. A 20 minute walk will get the blood flowing and the oxygen moving through your body helping both digestion and your metabolism. It’s also a good excuse to take a break from the chaos if you have a house of chaos.
- Choose clothing that is comfortable to sit in. Tight jeans can really affect your lower back and belly. Pull out those elastic-waisted pants or skirt that allow you to move freely.
- Move! Yes, thanks to loose clothing, moving is easier. Play on the floor with dogs, wrestle with kids, help with decorations, be the person who gets up “to get something” for others. Try to keep moving. Games are good for this too – billiards, ping-pong, etc. Just don’t get too competitive with your five-year-old niece. She’s five.
- Finally, and most important, practice kindness to yourself. The goal of Thanksgiving is to take a moment and be thankful for all our blessings. One of those blessings is our amazing bodies. It’s normal with all the salt in holiday food to retain water. The extra sweets and sugar in the extra glasses of alcohol can make you a little puffy the next day. Don’t fret. A day of water replenishment and brisk walking – even at the mall – will get you back on track before Monday.
Pat your belly and enjoy the day. And give thanks for every bit of it!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tricia
