Burn off That Turkey - How To Stay Active on Thanksgiving

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Tons of turkey could have you adding a ton to your bottom line if you’re not careful this Thanksgiving. For example, a serving of both dark and white turkey with gravy weighs in at 490 calories.

Did you know that most Americans consume 3,000 calories or more in just one meal on Thanksgiving and then remain sedentary for most of the day?

A better idea would be to workout before you pig out to rev up your metabolism before your eating marathon. I myself plan on going for a long hike in the morning and enjoy the fall in Phoenix.

Thanksgiving is also a huge day for many fitness activities. I’ve spent most of my adult life in health clubs and have seen so many “Turkey Burner Aerobic Marathons” as well as Thanksgiving Day Boot camps, etc. It is also a very popular day for races in many of our cities and communities.

Football is probably the main side dish on Thanksgiving, so why not get your own pick-up game going? My brothers typically head to the ever popular “Turkey Bowl” where our grade school plays their rival school. They then host their own alumnae game which usually ends up being a “Mud Bowl”, but nonetheless, good exercise!

Remember to stay hydrated throughout the day, especially if you’re having a few cocktails. When we become dehydrated, we often mistake that feeling for hunger and overeat.

Graze on health fair leading up to the big meal, that way you will not overeat at the table. Stretch in between courses to also remind yourself of body awareness.

Probably my second favorite thing to do after working out is to shop! I will however admit that I am baffled at those who will get up at 3 a.m. to seek out their favorite item on Black Friday and yet not find time to workout. Think of all the unwanted calories you’re going to consume on Thanksgiving.

I recommend, if you do not find the time to workout on Turkey Day, you really should find time to workout the day after. Just 25 minutes of walking will help burn off about 100 calories, pick up the pace and you’re burning even more.

No matter what your age or obligation on Thanksgiving Day, find something that will get you moving. And as my Grandmom Mickey (Michelina) used to say the most important exercise of all is, “pushing yourself away from the table.” She also used to keep us on track saying, “and that’s all you may have." Thanks, Mick!

Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Prenatal/Postpartum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training.

Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com/ She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.