{"id":359549,"date":"2023-11-23T09:11:06","date_gmt":"2023-11-23T14:11:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/platohealth.ai\/family-fun-can-burn-off-those-extra-thanksgiving-calories-drugs-com-mednews\/"},"modified":"2023-11-24T06:58:29","modified_gmt":"2023-11-24T11:58:29","slug":"family-fun-can-burn-off-those-extra-thanksgiving-calories-drugs-com-mednews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/platohealth.ai\/family-fun-can-burn-off-those-extra-thanksgiving-calories-drugs-com-mednews\/","title":{"rendered":"Family Fun Can Burn Off Those Extra Thanksgiving Calories – Drugs.com MedNews","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm<\/a>. Last updated on Nov 23, 2023.<\/span><\/p>\n

By Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter<\/p>\n

THURSDAY, Nov. 23, 2023 — It\u2019s common to find yourself stuffed at some point during Thanksgiving Day festivities, but experts say staying active can help you burn some calories and feel a little less sluggish after the big meal.<\/p>\n

Kicking off Thanksgiving Day by participating in a community event like a Turkey Trot can help prepare you for the feast to come, Dr. Stequita Jackson<\/a>, a primary care physician at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said in a college news release.<\/p>\n

Jackson recommends eating carbs prior to the run, like fruits and whole grains, to provide your body with the fuel it needs for exercise. After your run, the lean meat provided by the Thanksgiving turkey will give your body the protein it needs for recovery.<\/p>\n

Backyard games like flag football, soccer and badminton also can help a family burn calories before or after the holiday feast, Jackson said.<\/p>\n

Older and younger family members also might be encouraged to do some exercise that meets their fitness level. For example, elderly folks can focus on gentle stretching and walking, while the youngsters can do some squats, pushups and short sprint races.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnow your body and know your limitations,\u201d Jackson warned. \u201cIf you know you have a bad knee, don\u2019t do something like jumping jacks that will put a lot of impact on your joints. People who aren\u2019t able to play can still participate as cheerleaders or score keepers for the team.\u201d<\/p>\n

But the best family activity also is one of the most traditional \u2013 taking a stroll to walk off all the food you\u2019ve eaten.<\/p>\n

\u201cA walk around the neighborhood can be especially beneficial after the Thanksgiving meal to help with digestion and improve blood sugar levels,\u201d Jackson said.<\/p>\n

Walking after eating, rather than lying down for a nap, also can help prevent acid reflux, she added.<\/p>\n

But, she said, folks shouldn\u2019t stress out if they can\u2019t get in a walk or workout during a hectic holiday.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should never feel guilty about eating,\u201d Jackson said. \u201cTry not to overindulge, and remember that balance is key. The goal is to enjoy the meal, but not be so full that you can\u2019t move for the rest of the day. If you can\u2019t get a workout in the day of, there\u2019s always tomorrow!\u201d<\/p>\n

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Sources<\/h2>\n