Count Those T-Day Calories .. You'll Be "Thankful" You Did!

The big day is coming and I can almost feel the loosening of belts and waistbands across the nation.  One of the best things you can do to survive a fourth helping of Dad's incredible turkey and stuffing and Aunt Millie's pecan pie is to PRE-PLAN what you are going to put on your plate ... and stick to your plan.  To help you I am including a calorie list from About's Calorie Count site which includes the most traditional Thanksgiving dishes.

Main Course

Roasted Turkey
Serving Size: 1 cup chopped or diced
Calories: 238

Cornbread Stuffing
Serving Size: ½ cup
Calories: 179

Mashed Potatoes
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 237

Cranberry Sauce
Serving Size: ½” thick slice
Calories: 86

Dinner Rolls
Serving Size: 1 roll
Calories: 76

Side Dishes

Green Bean Casserole
Serving Size: Approximately 8 oz.
Calories: 90

Sweet Potato Casserole
Serving Size: About ½ cup
Calories: 287

Corn Pudding
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 328

Macaroni and Cheese
Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
Calories: 207

Collard Greens
Serving Size: 1 cup chopped
Calories: 49

Glazed Carrots
Serving Size: Approximately ¾ cup
Calories: 115

Vegetable Rice Pilaf
Serving Size: Approximately ½ cup
Calories: 198

Desserts

Pumpkin Pie
Serving Size: 1/8 of a 9” pie
Calories: 316

Sweet Potato Pie
Serving Size: 1/8 of a 9” pie
Calories: 340

Pecan Pie
Serving Size: 1/8 of a 9” pie
Calories: 503

Pound Cake
Serving Size: 1/10 of standard round cake
Calories: 116

Bread Pudding
Serving Size: Approximately ½ cup
Calories: 232

Control Your Portions

By now you've probably decided what foods you will eat, but remember to control your portions.  If you partake in just one serving of all the foods listed below, you're looking at almost 3600 calories.

Quick Tips for a Good Walk

You’ve been walking since you were a baby.  Would you be surprised to find out you might not be doing it incorrectly?  Now that I am walking more to prepare for my first half-marathon this Spring, I noticed that by the end of my walk my back and legs felt fatigued.  A friend gave me a list of guidelines for proper posture and techniques to improve my walking sessions.  Since I have been following these guidelines I feel like I have a lot more energy during and after my walks. 

Lengthen Your Spine
Imagine a string attached to a balloon which is attached to the top of your head and being pulled upward, making you as tall as you can be. While you are on your walk do not lean forward (from the waist) because you could be putting a strain on your back causing fatigue or possible injury.

Keep Your Chin Up
I have a habit of looking down at the ground when I am walking.  The guidelines say to look up, chin parallel to the ground, while you’re walking which will result in less neck and back pain.

Take Natural Strides
Don’t “push” your steps.  Instead keep your strides as natural as possible.  Taking longer than natural (comfortable) steps could cause an injury.  Move with a fluid, comfortable stride.