The Thanksgiving holiday is the time of year to spend with family, friends, and… food! While it’s completely fine to indulge on occasion, it’s also important to remember to prepare in advance so you can continue to feel your best. Check out our tips below to ensure a healthy Thanksgiving holiday.
Get Active
Start preparing for the holiday by increasing your daily steps or incorporating a slightly longer workout leading up to your Thanksgiving feast. The day of, make fitness a family adventure by going for a family walk earlier in the day and then again after dinner. Your body will thank you!
Don’t Forget Breakfast
Start your day with a small but satisfying breakfast – such as an egg with a slice of whole-wheat toast or a yogurt parfait – so you won’t be starving when you arrive at your family gathering. Eating a small meal in the morning gives you more control over your appetite and ensures you don’t fill up too fast later in the day.
Lighten Up
Thanksgiving food can be made lighter and still be delicious! Make your recipes healthier with less fat, sugar and calories. Some examples are to use fat-free chicken broth to baste the turkey and make gravy, reduce oil and butter wherever you can, use sugar substitutes in place of sugar or fruit purees, and try plain yogurt or fat-free sour cream in creamy dips, mashed potatoes, and casseroles. Bon Appetit!
Practice Portion Control
To prevent getting too full too fast, start with a smaller plate. Before filling it up, survey the table and decide what you’re going to choose to eat. Then select reasonable-sized portions of the food you cannot live without. Bonus: If you limit yourself to one plate, leftovers the next day will be that much better!
Savor The Flavors
Eating mindfully, putting your fork down between bites, and tasting each mouthful is one of the easiest ways to savor your meal and feel satisfied. Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, salads, and other foods with lots of water and fiber where you can to ensure you’ll continue to feel your best.
Be Realistic
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that the holidays are a time of celebration with friends and family. Choosing to strive for weight maintenance versus weight loss will help you to truly enjoy this time of year and you’ll feel much better knowing that you were able to stick to your goals while also enjoying the season. Happy Thanksgiving!