Beat the Thanksgiving Tryptophan Slump

Don't get tired and tied down by your turkey dinner's tryptophan effects. Stay active this Thanksgiving holiday weekend. If you are in my family you will attend at least two or three dinners this coming holiday weekend. But there are a few tips for staying active in between the Thanksgiving feast and Christmas cookie seasons.

I am sure that if you are living in the Northern or Midwest areas, that your Thanksgiving will be a bit chilly; you may be welcoming a crackling fireside accompanied by a warm pumpkin pie, hot cocoa and coffee. Not to mention the spread of stuffing, corn, gravy, candied sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce (all favorites of mine - my mouth is watering thinking of it) that will surely pass your palate this Thanksgiving, you will probably gain a few pounds and lose some motivation. But have no fear plan your weekend accordingly and don't leave out the active things that you can do with your family, friends and loved ones.

Again depending on where you are living, weather wise and permitting some of the active things that you can do over this Thanksgiving weekend include:

• Football - Yes, gear up and dress warm, plan a fun filled game, before or after the feast, of football or soccer - don't sit on the couch and plump out after eating that stuffed bird. You'll need to keep the calories burning to counteract the pie.
• Lumberjack fun - if your family has a wood stove or fire place, get your arms ready and chop up some of that winter firewood. I know it sounds like work but my family loves a good aggression and tension releaser like wood chopping.
• Black Friday - yes plan at least a few stops and a lot of walking during your Black Friday shopping adventures.
• Don't skip the gym - you have a few days to recover but get a trip or two in to the gym or a run or bike with the family - this might be a good time to catch up on family events and making Christmas plans.
• New York City - a few years back, we just hopped on the New Jersey Transit into the city and had a great time (on foot) touring and site seeing in New York's Rockefeller center, you can take your skates too.
• Dancing - plan a night out with friends and family and dance off the pecan pie.
• Charades - if your family and friends enjoy a games night make it an active one.
• Family Fido - yes don't forget about the family pet during all this feasting and sneaking a few bites to "man's best friend" take the dog out for that walk or run in between courses and desserts.

There is a lot to be thankful for this season and don't neglect your health and happiness. While the feasting and family bonding go hand in hand, sharing active time and interests with loved ones will be long remembered traditions. So have a happy, 'healthy' and 'active' Thanksgiving this year.