Whether it is grandma’s famous pumpkin pie, stuffing or turkey, we each have our vices for Thanksgiving. We thought it would be helpful to give you some tips to get active before the big meal. After all, the average American will consume approximately 3,000 calories during his/her Thanksgiving dinner this year. Add in pre-meal snacks and a serving of pie, and that number can easily reach upwards of 4,500 calories! A healthy guideline for caloric intake is 2000 calories per day. Even your favorite actors and celebrities like to get active before Thanksgiving. When you factor in all of the important football games going on throughout the day, it is easier to get up and get moving before the meal and big games than say that you are going to do it later.
- Take a hike/stroll as a family before the big meal or big game. Pick a location that has varying difficulties. A sidewalk or smooth surface for those with strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, or that prefer to move slower and a trail or something harder for those that want more of a challenge. It can be a local park, around the block, the beach or state park. At the end of the time, meet in one spot and take some time to reflect as a family. It can be sharing one thing that you are thankful for about each person, one thing that you are thankful for, or pick a family member that you want to remember and share your favorite memory about them. Being out of the house can help the group be less distracted too and able to focus on each other as a family.
A stroll before the big game
- Start the day with a local Turkey Trot. This is a fun way to get the family a little workout before you eat pumpkin pie and turkey. The great thing about Turkey Trots are that you can go at your own pace. Some families will have marathon runners, others will have sprinters and some will have power walkers. They’re as competitive as you want to make them. Many allow you to use jogging strollers so the little ones can be a part of it too. Some even have costume contests. Over 1 million people are expected to participate in turkey trots this year in the United States, making it the largest day of participation in the sport of running all year. Many have great give back components that donate meals or food to local food banks or families. It is a great way to participate in something as a family and give back to the community.
- Toss the football around. Your family might have a different sport. Whether it is soccer, ping pong, volleyball or basketball, get the family out of the house. It might even be fun to do a family tournament. It can be something that you build upon each year and create excitement for. While the natural incline is to make it competitive, try to include everyone. It might mean having some people be cheerleaders or have different “squads” that can rotate based on ability.
Whatever activity you choose, we hope that you have a great Thanksgiving day! And if you aren’t following us yet on social media make sure you do
