Healthy Tips for Thanksgiving
1) Eat Breakfast
Start the day off with a nutritious breakfast. If you go into a tempting meal ravenously hungry, you’ll be less likely to make healthy choices like a protein shake.
2) Try A Bit of Everything
Make it a tradition to try a (small) scoop of all the dishes you love. If you set rules about foods that are “off limits”, you’ll crave it even more. It’s okay to have some mashed potatoes but keep an eye on serving sizes.
3) Save Dessert for Last
Fill up on more nutrient-dense foods first, like turkey and veggies. Then wait at least one hour before dessert. This gives enough time for your body to let your brain know that you’re full.
4) Bring Your Favorite Vegetable Side
Volunteer to bring a vegetable side dish. This ensures you have at least one healthy option as a go-to at the family feast. Aim for non-starchy vegetables (sorry sweet potatoes) and avoid drenching the veggies in calorie-heavy ingredients (sorry ranch dressing). Instead, try a colorful vegetable tray, roasted brussels sprouts, or green beans.
5) Take Turns in the Kitchen
Thanksgiving is all about cooking and, if you’ve ever hosted a big party, that can lend to added stress. To alleviate some of the burden, divide and conquer the menu. Ask guests to bring their favorite dish or assign them a casserole, side, or dessert. Everyone gets a chance to show off their culinary skills and you get a chance to enjoy the day.
6) Set Up Outdoor Games for Kids and Adults
Outdoor fun can be the key to family bonding and burning off some of those extra calories. Set up an outdoor activity that adults and children do together. Volleyball anyone? And if the weather doesn’t play in your favor, you can also clear the living room for a few indoor games (or even an indoor dance sesh).
7) Stay Hydrated
While you may want to reach for a fruity punch or a cocktail, it can be full of unnecessary calories, sugar, and alcohol. Have healthier drink options on hand so you can stay hydrated throughout the day (and keep yourself feeling full). Fill a pitcher or stainless steel water bottle with cold water and add fresh fruit to give some added nutrients and flavor.
8) Experiment with New Recipes
Make the holidays about discovering new recipes that have a healthier spin. There are thousands of recipes you can try, like no-butter potatoes, no-bacon casserole, or whole-grain rolls. Make a keto stew or soup with collagen-rich bone broth or try a sugar alternative in your favorite cookie recipe. The best part? Your friends and family will benefit too!
9) Take a Walk
A long walk with a relative can be a great opportunity to talk and catch up. A walk is also an opportunity soak up some Vitamin D from the sun and get a few minutes of exercise. Aim for a total of 30 minutes of walking time per day (it can be broken up into a few shorter spurts to make it more doable).
10) Save The (Healthier) Leftovers
Don’t feel obligated to finish everything. The best way to tackle overage is to send the leftovers home with everyone. Plan ahead by stocking up on food storage containers and freezer bags. Try to keep leftovers that are the healthier choices, like veggies. If the pumpkin pie is out of sight, hopefully it can stay out of mind!
References:
- https://caloriecontrol.org/stuff-the-bird-not-yourself-how-to-deal-with-the-3000-calorie-thanksgiving-meal/
