As all of you know, I'm committed to seeing you through this Holiday Season with less body fat and more muscle! You can do this. This is no TIME for excuses, you can be a turkey just not a FAT one! You know what they do with nice plump turkeys right?

This can be the strongest time of year to keep your committement to exercisng and getting leaner.

Why is that? Well, consider this: if you can actually progress between now and January 1, 2007, just think what you can do in the New Year! Imagine the confidence you would have walking into 2007 with a better body rather than entering the new year with more fat, less energy, and a "blah" attitude.

Let's get started with my favorite Turkey Day Survival Tips...

Low Carbs- Day Before

Just reduce your calories to about half your normal intake the day before a larger meal can work wonders. This way you will balance things out over two days. Just be sure to eat frequently on the low-cal day so you don't slow down your metabolism.

Low Carbs- Day After

Reduce your carbs to about 50 grams the day after your holiday meal. Yes, that means no leftovers (I'll get to that in a second.) This will help your insulin levels return to normal, and get your fat-burning kicked off again after the feast. Be sure to get all of your carbs from veggies on this day.

Be Charitable- Give Away Your Leftovers

Instead of making Aunt Ruth feel bad about not taking a ton of food home with you, go ahead and accept her hospitalityand then give it away to people without food that very same day. These folks are pretty easy to find if you live in a big city. If not, a few phone calls to half-way houses will be all you'll need to do in order to really make someone's holiday very special. This also will save you from the temptation of having a ton of bad food around the house!

Lean Protein- Keep It High And Enjoy It.

Be sure to chow lots of turkey. Turkey is one of the best foods you can eat. But be aware most of the fat in turkey is within the skin and most of the fat within the meat is in the dark meat. The white meat with the skin removed is a good food source for people on low-fat and/or low sodium diets. The meat fiber is easier to digest than other types of meat, which makes it a good choice for individuals that may have digestive problems. Turkey is an excellent source of several important vitamins and nutrients such as iron, niacin, zinc, potassium, and B vitamins.

So remember, keep the carb foods low to moderate. Spread them out over the day so you don't eat too much all at once as well.

Drink Water- The More The Merrier

Drink about a quart of water prior to going to your festivities, and at least that much during and after. This will help flush the toxins through your system, and it will actually make you less hungry.

Jut One Dessert Serving

Is it REALLY that much to ask? Enjoy a nice dessert after your protein-rich meal, but pass on the seconds. Remember, it's not the last time you'll ever eat pie... : )

Walk It Off

Research shows that a 45-minute brisk walk after eating a high-fat meal can reverse the damage done to your arteries. Obviously it will help you feel better as well, and it improves digestion. Use this as a "family time" activity. Suggest a walk around a mall, or perhaps the town centre or neighborhood. Enjoy the time, and get more fit, all at the same time.

Well there it is. Print this out and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder and have a GREAT Thanksgiving.

-- Frank Sherrill