TYLER (KYTX) - Any attempt at healthy eating seems to go out the window this time of year. We tend to conveniently forget about our waist line and take every opportunity to over-indulge. CBS 19's Amanda Roberson has more on how we can be health conscious this holiday season.
The average American gains between seven and 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's day. While those numbers seem scary, there is some good news. Being health-conscious doesn't necessarily mean you can't enjoy the holiday season and have a little bit of everything you want.
"I came in for about two things, but you'll notice I have a lot because I saw things that I know my family would love." Eva Munson of Flint wrapped up her grocery shopping and she's ready to turn those ingredients into Thanksgiving staples. "Pecan pie, pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes, turkey, dressing, my dressing is already made!"
Munson's not alone. Susan Chesley, also from Flint, brought her granddaughter along to complete her shopping list. "The usual green bean casserole. My daughter's bringing a special potato casserole this year and hot corn casserole that we all love. It sounds like a bunch of casseroles as usual! And two pies!"
The good news: you don't have to skip out on any of those foods this holiday.
"Have that chocolate pie. Just keep it in mind when you're putting stuff on your plate. Maybe forego that extra serving of stuffing." Nutritionist Timothy Manglicmot with the Northeast Texas Public Health District said it's all about portion control, and starting with that most important meal of the day. "Eating breakfast is a great way, one to start your day off, but also control your appetite when you get to the dinner table. Don't think if you don't have breakfast now you can fit more in at dinner time."
Between sitting at the dinner table and sitting in front of the TV, get outside to burn off the extra eating.
"We do live out in the country," Munson explained. "So we can walk and we do like to do some of that up and down the hills during the holidays."
While Munson plans to walk outside, Chesley's strategy for a healthy holiday is inside. "For my husband and myself it's mainly portion control. So we will enjoy ourselves Thursday, but that will probably be it until Christmas!"
Another fun way to get some exercise is grab the family and neighbors for a game of touch football. And don't forget Fido. Taking the dog on a walk before Thanksgiving lunch not only gets your walk in for the day, but will also help your pet burn off some energy and be calmer when guests arrive.
For those stuck behind the stove most of the day, nutritionist said lifting heavy grocery bags, pots and pans, or dishes full of heavy casseroles a few extra times still counts as exercise - anything to get those heart rates up!
For more information on portion control visit www.choosemyplate.gov and more ways to have a healthy holiday season visit http://www.cdc.gov/family/holiday/.
