Happy Thanksgiving

By Lynn Difley
Thanksgiving is such a great holiday. I think it’s my favorite. The combination of family and food, what could be better? It is far enough away from the commercialism of the other holidays that it can still be enjoyed with a minimum of fuss.

We can enjoy the company of family and friends; delight in the foods prepared with love and regard for the quality of the ingredients. Thanksgiving is a great time to enjoy the fall harvest of foods; farmers markets are still full of greens, peppers, winter squash, and root vegetables. If you are worried about adding on too many pounds this holiday, I have some facts to share, and will leave you to make your own conclusions.

The average American will consume more than 4,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day, according to the Caloric Control Council (what a group they must be!) But guess what? Most of these calories are added up in the snacking that is done in front of the TV while watching parades and sporting events. So it’s not the turkey, mashed potatoes, or even the pumpkin pie that does in our waistline, it’s the chips, dip, soda, and beer that we don’t even consider part of the holiday meal. So why not skip the TV watching and snacking and take a walk instead? Or follow the old Kennedy tradition–a game of touch football on the lawn?
Let’s say you take a brisk walk. The whole family can explore the neighborhood, or, take an inspiring walk along the beach or through the woods, having a chance to chat, catch up on each other’s lives, while the kids and dogs trot back and forth burning off their excess energy.

In just 10 minutes you can walk off 54 calories. But 10 minutes is much too short a stroll. What about a good hour’s walk before you sit down? I love to go outside, take a walk, or play ball with the kids, then come back in and whiff that heavenly smell of turkey baking. What about combining chores and activity? Raking leaves can score up to 40 calories, if the adults rake, and the kids jump in the piles to spread them all out again, you will all have great fun and can manage to put a dent in the big meal before you wash your hands for dinner.
Whatever you choose to do this Thanksgiving, enjoy the celebration. Don’t worry about calories or carbohydrates, treasure the time you spend with the ones that matter the most. Happy Thanksgiving.