Thriving Through Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about loved ones and family, food, fun and sometimes even football. But with the day fast approaching, you might be wondering how such an indulgent and chaotic holiday can fit into your health journey. Never fear — there are always ways to make wellness a part of your celebration. Give some of these techniques a try:

Start with a well-balanced breakfast. While you might initially want to wait all day to eat in order to have more room for dinner, eating a healthy breakfast will help you start the day right and help you avoid binge eating when dinner comes around.

Stay hydrated. Alcohol and soda might be tempting, but make sure to include lots of water throughout the day.

Prioritize the foods you enjoy. Thanksgiving is a fun time to try new foods, but loading your plate with unknown, yet still rich and heavy, food can lead you to feel obligated into eating everything you’ve taken. Remember, you can always go back to try more!

Incorporate physical activity into your plans. Try attending a local run or start an impromptu football game in the backyard with your family. Staying active will help you feel better by the evening, and it’ll help you burn calories quicker, too.

Try healthier alternatives. If you’re in charge of the menu this year, this is your chance to try some new recipes that still taste great but use fresher, more enriching ingredients. For example, you could try this healthier take on the classic green bean casserole.

Enjoy pumpkin everything! As the most iconic treat of the season, pumpkin also offers a lot of health benefits: vitamin A, potassium and fiber. Enjoy it roasted or as a delicious dessert.

Take advantage of leftovers. The whole meal doesn’t have to be eaten in one sitting. Leftovers are a great way to enjoy even more food while still giving yourself time to digest. As soon as you feel full, listen to your body and pack up a box for later.

Be kind to yourself. At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is a holiday meant to spend time with loved ones. It might be intimidating for anyone on their health journey, but remember that you don’t have to be perfect. You’re allowed to eat a big turkey dinner in moderation. These tips can hopefully make you feel better about your progress, but the most important thing is that you have fun and reconnect with the people you care about. Enjoy!

Source:

“10 Healthy Tips to Tackle Thanksgiving,” https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/topics/live-well/2014/11/10-healthy-tips-to-tackle-thanksgiving/, accessed Oct. 10, 2022