CSN Inside Sales Coordinator, Erica Hale, Guest Blogs Her Thanksgiving Tips
Turkey Day is just around the corner. ‘Tis the season for high-calorie and sugar-rich foods—you gotta love it! Picture it now: loading your plate (or plates—no judgment) with all your favorite comfort foods, ending with a decadent dessert. My personal must-haves consist of four-cheese baked macaroni, peach cobbler and any kind of pie. To add insult to injury, I usually fall asleep while watching football from being so full…
Do you practice any restraint from over-indulging on Thanksgiving? Do you hide the scale until January 1? I hate the feeling of being overstuffed, so I did some research and compiled a list to help you take the guilt out of Thanksgiving dinner!
1. Start your day with a complete breakfast. In the past, you may have held out for the whole day to prepare for the main event. You’re just fooling yourself into thinking it isn’t that bad because you’ll only eat one meal. It’s important to not skip any meals so you don’t overeat when it’s time for turkey.
2. Exercise. Believe it or not, most health clubs are open on Thanksgiving Day. Try 45 minutes of cardio. It will undo some of the caloric damage.
3. Wear something form-fitting. You’re less likely to over-indulge if you’re wearing your favorite pair of skinny jeans.
4. Have a game plan. Think about the foods you want to eat. The turkey really isn’t the bad guy, but two big scoops of mashed potatoes smothered in gravy might be a bit much. Pick the foods you like, but with smaller portions. 
5. Let them eat cake—or pie! Depriving yourself of your favorite sweets will only increase your cravings. Cut smaller slices, but dig in!
6. Practice self-control. Your body will let you know when you’re full. Listen to it, and back away from the table. There is always tomorrow. There is nothing like making a sandwich from the leftovers.
7. Drink plenty of water. It’s best to avoid punch, soda and juices, which are usually packed with sugar and empty calories. Water will also help flush out sodium, relieving you of that bloated feeling.
8. Get active with your family. Now is a great time to dust off that video game console you bought on Black Friday a few years ago. Try out some virtual table tennis or bowling. I’m sure you will burn calories on the laughs alone. Thanksgiving is all about enjoying time with your family and creating new memories.
Enjoy yourself and good luck!