This being the day after the celebration of Thanksgiving, and the dishes from your feasts have been washed, dried and put away, we thought we would just revisit the holiday itself, in its “True” form and impart a few facts that you may or may not know happened on that eventful day, back on November of 1621.

It was during period in history that the Pilgrims and a group of native American Indians gathered together to celebrate a feast that the then governor of the colony, William Bradford declared should take place in honor of their first successful harvest of a corn crop, which the native Indian, Squanto, instructed them on how to prepare the soil and plant so that the harvest would be bountiful. This bountiful feast lasted for 3 days, not just one and was looked upon as a blessing that helped unite the native-born inhabitants of the new world with its newly arrived visitors from the “Old World”.

Going back to the previous year, of September of 1620, a small ship called the Mayflower left Plymouth, England, carrying 102 passengers—an assortment of religious separatists seeking a new home where they could freely practice their faith and other individuals lured by the promise of prosperity and land ownership in the New World. After a treacherous and uncomfortable crossing that lasted 66 days, they dropped anchor near the tip of Cape Cod, far north of their intended destination at the mouth of the Hudson River. One month later, the Mayflower crossed Massachusetts Bay, where the Pilgrims, as they are now commonly known, began the work of establishing a village at Plymouth colony.

Throughout that first brutal winter, most of the colonists remained on board the ship, where they suffered from exposure, scurvy and outbreaks of contagious disease.

Only half of the Mayflower’s original passengers and crew lived to see their first New England spring. In March, the remaining settlers moved ashore, where they received an astonishing visit from an Abenaki Indian who greeted them in English. Several days later, he returned with another Native American, Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe who had been kidnapped by an English sea captain and sold into slavery before escaping to London and returning to his homeland on an exploratory expedition.

Squanto taught the Pilgrims, who were weakened by malnutrition and illness, how to cultivate corn, extract sap from maple trees, catch fish in the rivers and avoid poisonous plants. He also helped the settlers forge an alliance with the Wampanoag, a local tribe, which would endure for more than 50 years and tragically remains one of the sole examples of harmony between European colonists and Native Americans.

This 3-day celebration that took place was joined by the fledgling colony’s Native American allies, including the Wampanoag chief Massasoit. Now remembered as American’s “First Thanksgiving”, although the Pilgrims themselves may not have used the term at the time. While no record exists of the historic banquet’s exact menu, the Pilgrim chronicler Edward Winslow wrote in his journal that Governor Bradford sent four men on a “fowling” mission in preparation for the event, and that the Wampanoag guests arrived bearing five deer, along with swans, bountiful amounts of lobster, which were easily caught in the waters off of the coast and even native seals that inhabited the coves up and down the rocky shoreline.

Historians have suggested that many of the dishes were likely prepared using traditional Native American spices and cooking methods. Because the Pilgrims had no oven and the Mayflower’s sugar supply had dwindled by the fall of 1621.

Today, in many American households, the Thanksgiving celebration now centers on cooking and sharing a bountiful meal with family and friends. Turkey, a Thanksgiving staple so ubiquitous it has become all but synonymous with the holiday, may or may not have been an offer when the Pilgrims hosted the inaugural feast in 1621. Today, however, nearly 90 percent of Americans eat the bird—whether roasted, baked or deep-fried—on Thanksgiving, according to the National Turkey Federation. Other traditional foods include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Today, you won't see swans, seals or lobster on most family’s menus, but that being said, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on each person's blessings and take stock of what is really important to them.

So, there you have it, a little history lesson on what took place almost 400 years ago. When you get right down to it, something as simple as saying thanks for what was provided as a form of community nourishment has transcended down through the ages to become a looked-for tradition in many American homes.

We hope you and your families enjoyed a Happy Thanksgiving this year and we wish you all the best, from all of us here at HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com.

Well, it’s just about here, the Holiday Eating Season is about to envelop us, with Thanksgiving leading the charge. That is if you don’t count Halloween. After all, you probably couldn’t resist sampling all those sweet, sugary candies, glazed popcorn balls, all sitting in that bowl by the front door. And you might have gotten thirsty so you took advantage of a cup or two of the sweet-hot-apple cider and hot cocoa that was simmering on the stove. You know, with those little sugary marshmallows floating on top? After all, its hard work waiting with that bowl full of candy that you may consume while waiting for those trick or treaters to ring your doorbell, right?

But Thanksgiving, tomorrow, is the big day for most of us to kick off the start of eating all those long-awaited favorites that you may only get at this time of year. When the dishes you’ve been craving for all season long, are finally passed around the table, and before you know it your plate is piled up to your head with turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, with all of them smothered with a heaping portion of gravy, (maybe even homemade gravy).

For most of us, It’s a Norman Rockwell masterpiece, yes. But it’s also a meal that can total anywhere from 2,500 to 4,500 calories (nearly twice the calories recommended daily). While there’s no need to skip your favorite feast in the name of fitness, we recommend keeping a mental note on just how much you’re ingesting during the day. It’s not all bad news, though. If you take part in one of the many physical events that crop around this holiday tradition. Like a “Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot”.  If you make the effort to take part in these physical activities that you've been working/training for during the year, you can feel better about having that delicious slice of Mom’s pumpkin pie. But you just might think twice about the gravy: A quarter-cup will cost you 50 burpees! Find out how much you have to work for each Turkey Day dish here below:

Slice of Apple Pie 5-6 oz = 411 Calories
Exercise: A 5K Turkey Trot or brisk walk or jog for 35 mins

Slice Pumpkin Pie 5-6 oz 316 Calories
Exercise: Yoga 60 mins

Buttered Roll (1) 210 Calories
Exercise: Flag Football 20 mins

Sweet Potato Casserole (1/2) Cup 200 Cal.
Exercise: Spinning 20 mins

Turkey Breast 6 oz. (no Skin) 195 Calories
Exercise: Skating, ice or rink 50 mins

Egg Nog 1/2 cup 190 Cal.
Exercise: Cross-fit 13 mins

Stuffing 1/2 cup 180 Cal
Exercise: Stair Running 10 mins

Corn Bread 2 oz. 160 Cal
Exercise: Swimming 15 laps Oh My!

Red Wine 6 oz. 150 Cal.
Exercise: Walking 35 mins Keep that in mind!

Mashed Potatoes 1/2 cup 120 Cal Without toppings!!!
Exercise: Weight Training 35 mins

Green Bean Casserole 1/2 cup 70 Cal
Exercise: Brisk Dancing 14 mins

Gravy 1/4 cup 45 Calories
Exercise: 50 Burpees

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that you should be keeping track of your time, and energy expelled while doing all of the above and a Garmin Vivosmart Wireless Heart Rate Activity Monitor. The Vivosmart has a 3-dimensional accelerometer which is used to count steps (compared to a pedometer which uses a 1-dimensional accelerometer). It uses the user’s height from their profile to calculate their stride length. And if you find yourself breathing a little faster and heavier, it means that you’re pushing your body a bit more than usual, which is good as long as you’re in good physical shape. The Garmin Vivosmart HR has a wrist-based heart rate monitor that can provide you with your heart rate at a glance. So, with the Vivosmart, you will be able to keep track of all those calorie busting routines you’re going to be doing to wean your way off those calories you enjoyed during the holiday meal. And for what you get the Vivosmart is at a reasonable price point. So check it out and strap one on.

Remember!  This is a time to celebrate and give thanks, so don’t forget to keep things in perspective. (A little stuffing never hurt anybody!) And the holidays do come around only once a year. So go ahead and enjoy the day as well as those holiday favorites that you’ve been looking forward to. Just keep your commitment to being healthy during this festive season on point, after all the holidays seem to whiz by this time of year. So go ahead and treat yourself within bounds. Because if you don’t, research has found that NOT treating yourself to your favorites this time of year usually results in you over indulging in something else, usually as bad or worse than if you took a small helping of your favorite holiday fare.

It’s also not a bad idea to keep your food and workout journal close by, so that you can use these as reminders, of what you need to do in order to get yourself back in bounds of your physical and nutrition regimen. And with family and friends gathering around your tables this time of year. You can get everyone involved with some kind of outside activities that will help you get your bodies engines moving so it can turn all those carbs from sugar and fat into energy.

Try getting down with a family football or even volleyball game, weather permitting. There’s always a fun way to stay active and in control of your health and wellness throughout the holiday season. So go ahead and pass that gravy boat around the table, but remember, only ¼ cup for you, and you might want to pass along some of these calorie shortfalls as you pass that gravy around the table. But please remind everyone that moderation is the “Word of the Day” and a little post-holiday meal group activity is well advised!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Turkey Trotters here at HeartRateMonitorsUSA.com

The leftover turkey isn’t even cold when we start cranking the Christmas music, scheduling holiday parties, and shopping for perfect gifts.

And the food -- Oh the food. All of our favorite holiday flavors are out on parade. From gingerbread-flavored everything and cookie assortments to cheesy appetizers and bacon-wrapped entrees.

The rest of the year, we say, “I’m watching what I Eat and Exercising,” but this month, we announce with confidence and a mouthful of sugar cookie, “It’s the holidays!” And we’re so right. It is the holidays and it’s okay to cheat a little. But, you don’t have to throw away 11 months of progress in the 25 days before Christmas.

Here, are few tips on how to fully enjoy the holiday season without starting the New Year off with pounds to lose.

1. Exercise in the morning to avoid scheduling conflicts: The holidays are an exceptionally busy time for most of us. Between the parties, out-of-town trips, and time spent at the mall, it can be difficult to fit in your regular exercise time. However, maintaining your routine is critical to avoiding holiday weight gain. If possible, opt to workout in the morning. Doing so will reduce the risk that your busy holiday schedule will keep you out of the gym. A morning workout will also set the tone for your day. You’re more likely to resist the random cookie or treat if you’ve started your day in a healthy way.

2. Hydrate to curb your eating: Many times, dehydration can trigger hunger pangs. Drinking water not only reduces dehydration-related cravings, it can also curb overeating. Before you indulge in a holiday meal or dip into the appetizers, drink a glass or two of water. The water will help you feel fuller faster, meaning you eat fewer calories.

In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Birmingham in the U.K., obese participants were asked to drink 16 ounces of water 30 minutes before each meal. After 12 weeks, the volunteers lost nearly 10 pounds each, on average. While it may not be your goal to lose weight, but rather maintain through the holidays, drinking more water is likely to help.

3. Plan ahead to stay in control: You’ve heard the expression, “If you fail to plan, plan to fail.” This certainly holds true when it comes to maintaining your level of fitness during the holidays. It can be easy to take the “all-or-nothing” approach when it comes to diet and exercise. But, don’t binge and be lazy throughout the whole month of December, or you’ll be sorry in January. Take control of your workouts and cheat in moderation. 

If you know you have extra commitments on the calendar or you’re traveling for the holidays, mark these dates and plan accordingly. Schedule every workout for the month of December and make it a point to stay on track. It might be helpful to give yourself a couple floating rest days so you don’t feel like a failure if you simply can’t make it to the gym.  And remember, traveling, if planned out right, even though you're on the road, or on a plane, you can still make use of just walking around and taking in some of the sites before you need to arrive at your committed festivities.  Using an Activity Monitor during all the busy rushing around is a great way to keep you motivated and tracking your movements, or lack there of, in order to remind you to get moving. One great Activity Monitor is the Fitbit Charge  Everyone needs some reminders to keep themselves on track and with the Fitbit Charge, the only thing you need to remember is to keep it fastened to your wrist!

When it comes to your diet, set guidelines for yourself, you know you’ll be indulging. Plan your cheat meals around the days when you know you’ll be dipping into some extra indulgent apps or drinks. To help you stay in control, set some limits for yourself before filling your plate. For example, resolve to put just three of your favorite foods on your plate.This will keep your cheat meal from turning into an all-night binge. 

4. Make a pact to stay motivated: During the holidays, it can feel like you’re the only one trying to stay on track. Watching everyone else pig-out or stay couch-bound will likely make it easier for you to follow suit. Be accountable to a fit friend or family member during the month of December. Encourage each other to enjoy your favorite treats, but in moderation and maintain your exercise routines, the best you can. When you’re visiting family or friends, try asking them to exercise with you!

5. Don’t avoid the scale: When you feel yourself slipping with diet or exercise, it can be all-to-easy, to dump your resolve until after you ring in the New Year. Instead of packing away your scale to avoid the guilt, continue to monitor your progress throughout December. If you see the numbers rising or see your muscle tone fading, don’t body shame, but do use it as a reality check to make some changes. Increase your water intake, be vigilant with your exercise, and eat a few more salads that week to help you get back on track.

6. Stock healthy snacks in the house and on the go: A house full of sweet treats and high-calorie foods will test anyone’s willpower, especially if your stomach is already growling. Make it a point to stock your fridge, car, and workspace with healthy options that you can grab easily when you’re craving some holiday snacks. Satisfy your hunger first, then if you want to cheat just a little, go for it!

7. Bring healthy treats to the party: When it's your turn to bring the goodies, don’t be afraid to bring some green. You can stick with an easy veggie tray or fruit plate, or get creative with healthy spring roll bites or cauliflower breadsticks. This way, you know you’ll have at least one healthy option to fill-up on at the party. Remember, for this the internet is your friend!  There are hundred of tasty, healthy foods that will still give you that crunch, just not the calories that go along with a bowl of dips and chips!

8. Set a challenge: The turkey trots may be over, but you’re likely to find a candy cane run or Santa dash near you. Make a 5k or 10k a holiday tradition with family and friends! It will help you burn off extra calories and motivate you to keep up with your training. Not sure where to find a race? Did I not mention the internet is your friend??

9. Fill up on the good stuff: When you’re indulging in holiday meals, fill most of your plate with lean proteins and veggies (FYI: green bean casserole and fried onions don’t count as veggies). Cut the hunger pangs with the healthier options and then reach for your high-calorie favs. You’ll end up feeling more satisfied and less guilty at the end of the meal. Pairing the carb-laden goodies with healthier proteins will also help keep your blood sugar in check, which means you’ll reach for fewer leftovers later on.

10. Limit alcohol: It might be difficult to resist the big bowl of spiked eggnog and warm-you-to-the-core hot toddies, but make alcoholic drinks like these the treat, not the norm. These winter warmers can contain upwards of 500 calories each.

Even if you’re enjoying the low-cal drink options like vodka sodas, the alcohol can lower your inhibitions, which means you’re more likely to snack on higher calorie foods or reach for holiday leftovers a bit too soon.

11. Have a backup plan: It’s a good idea to plan your workout schedule for the entire month of December, always come prepared with a backup plan. If you didn’t anticipate skipping the gym, you can still get in a great workout just about anywhere -- even if you’re short on time. Be prepared for kinks in your workout schedule, but remember, things do happen and in the long run its worth the effort to think things through so you can have the time you need to get your workouts in.

The average person gains 1-2 pounds during the holidays and doesn’t ever lose it -- but you don’t have to be “average.” Maintain your weight or even shed a couple pounds this holiday season by tightening your routines and remaining accountable to your diet goals.

Everyone looks forward to sitting down with family and friends for a Thanksgiving meal. But for those of us who are working towards a healthier you in 2016 you may have some reservations about really enjoying the meal plan. The key to still enjoying your favorite holiday fare and still keep true to your fitness goals is “MODERATION” and keeping to your exercise routines.

Now you may think that, hey, it’s only one day of the year and it really is. But it seems like Thanksgiving is the start of the holiday eating campaigns that take place everywhere around the United States. That’s why we say moderation is the key to you NOT putting on an extra 5 lb. or more during these two months of festive parties and get-togethers. Remember, having that stuffed feeling after the fact is only good if you’re the turkey!

One of the best things you can do to avoid packing on the pounds this holiday season is to increase your activity / exercise, a bit more during this time of year. Now, this may not seem as bad to you at first but, remember, at this time of year, people, you included are going to be spending more time shopping for gifts for family and friends. Now is a good time to use your walking shoes instead of taking the car or the bus to your favorite stores. Now, we hope you're going to visit our on-line store at http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com to purchase a fitness item to help you or your family and friends stay on top of your progress. But besides the convenience of shopping on-line, you can still go to the mall this time of year, even if the weather does not corporate, and stretch those leg muscles. The mall is an excellent place to walk. Walking is probably one of the best low-cost fitness exercises you can do. And you can take the opportunity to window-shop as you walk briskly in front of all those stores located within the mall.

Along with walking through the mall for exercise, you can also get some fresh air as it is usually a tradition for a lot of people, after the Thanksgiving meal is over, instead of vegging out on the couch, maybe watching a football game, why not get out, and take everyone with you for a group search for that perfect Christmas tree. And we don’t mean driving down to the local Christmas tree lot to do your searching. There is nothing better than to drive out to a local tree farm, getting everyone out of the car and tramping up and down the fields trying to locate that perfect tree. Now we are not saying that you should go far and wide with the hopes of seeing the sun’s ray shinning down on your tree like the Griswald’s in that holiday favorite movie ‘Christmas Vacation” but just getting out and walking around in the clean, crisp air while your looking for the right tree will help you in losing a few calories from that big meal you just packed on.

Now those are just two ideas, but the focus is to ramp up your activity a little more during this time of year so you won’t feel bad about eating that fancy Christmas cookie your favorite aunt baked just for you.

And if you do partake in regular exercise, make sure you are tracking your daily progress so you can make sure you're increasing your activity levels between now and New Year’s Day. You may want to try an activity monitor like the Fitbit Charge 2 Activity Tracker. This one even has a heart rate monitor so you can see just how well you are doing and how well you're taxing your heart as you do so.

Remember, even though we say you should increase your activity to help you avoid the strain of gaining some holiday poundage, even exercising more does not give you a free license to just eat and eat and eat. That’s why we said earlier that moderation is the key. Yep, it’s Thanksgiving and it does only come around once a year so go ahead, take a helping of that stuffing that grandma made and finish off that dinner with a slice of pumpkin or my favorite pecan pie. But ask for a small slice and stop at just one slice, not seconds.

If you keep moderation in mind this holiday season, you won’t need to make that same New Year’s resolution again this year about losing weight and getting fit, because you are already on that right path to healthy!!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, from our family here at HeartRateMonitorsUSA.Com.