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        Prepare your digestive system for the imminent food onslaught by participating in the Turkey Trot 5K. The Turkey Trot is an annual 5K race put on by the Women’s Resource Center the morning of Thanksgiving. This pre-feast run will boost your metabolism and get your body ready to handle anything. Sign up here*

        Thanksgiving is a day of indulgence, so don’t feel like you have to pass up that serving of sweet potato casserole. This holiday only comes once a year, so enjoy everything on the table; however, don’t let the Thanksgiving feast start a series of unhealthy choices that could potentially end up being the reason for a New Year’s resolution.

        After you’ve enjoyed the precious homemade dinner, get back on track with healthy eating habits. The day after Thanksgiving make a conscious effort to eat light, healthy, low-calorie foods such as salads, fruit, or a low-sodium soup. Your body will be busy enough trying to process the mass amounts of sugar, starches, and fats you just deposited; it needs these light, fresh foods to get back into its normal routine. Your stomach will be expanded (this is the cause of that ever appealing food baby) from the large meal, so try not to stuff it full again. If you’re not hungry, don’t eat! Now, this doesn’t mean starve yourself, but just because that pumpkin pie is looking mighty fine on the the top shelf of the fridge, you don’t have to eat a slice. Your stomach needs time to shrink back down to its normal size and eating light and healthy is the way to allow it to do so.

        Your body cannot afford to be dehydrated during this relapse time so drink plenty of water. Drinking water is also a great and easy way to flush out your system. Adding a bit of lemon or lime juice to your morning glass of water will intensify its detoxifying powers and kick start your metabolism.

        Do some yoga! Studies show that yoga is highly beneficial to the digestive system. The different poses and twists that compress and release abdomen muscles help stretch and massage digestive organs which eliminates old blood and bile and brings in fresh blood to help increase the efficiency of the digestive system. It also makes you feel good in general. Namaste.

        For those of you who feel really motivated, head to the gym or go for a run. Not only does exercise burn calories, but a long, easy-to-moderate-paced run will rid your legs of that lactic acid from the Turkey Trot. It’s also a perfect opportunity for you to clear your head and spend some time by yourself, away from all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday.

        If not an intense workout, then at least spend some time outside. Get some of that fresh, fall air into your lungs. Take a walk, sit on your porch with a book, chalk on the driveway, rake some leaves, take a look around at all of the things you said you were thankful for and really appreciate them; it’s amazing the effect nature can have on your attitude and body.

        Enjoy the mashed potatoes, stuffing, and second helping of pumpkin pie; it’s Thanksgiving, for goodness’ sake! However, don’t just sit around the day after the best (and biggest) meal of the year. Take care of your body with these post-feast tips so that you can still fit into your favorite jeans all winter.