Navigate Thanksgiving With These 5 Healthy Tips
It’s easy to overindulge during the holidays. Especially Thanksgiving. Because, stuffing. And mashed potatoes, and gravy, and pecan pie. You get the picture. So, here are my 5 tips for enjoying the holiday, without completely veering off course.
Workout
Get up in the morning and do a really great workout, like this one. Starting your day with a good sweat will help reinforce a healthy mindset all day long. And, burning a few extra calories on Thanksgiving day always helps too.
Make a game plan
Thanksgiving can be a long day of eating, so come up with your plan of attack before the day even gets started. Think about what you’ll have for breakfast and lunch before the big meal. Maybe keep it light during the day so you can enjoy a bigger-than-normal meal that night. Or, avoid the appetizers before dinner, and save room for the main course. The point is, think about it and set yourself up for success. Be mindful of where you want to indulge and what’s really worth it.
Indulge
It’s Thanksgiving, for crying out loud. Give yourself the freedom to enjoy the most delicious meal of the year. For me, it’s the stuffing, that’s where I’ll be setting up shop. If you need me on Thanksgiving, you know where to find me. Next to the pan of stuffing with a fork, boxing out my family members. Are the appetizers your thing? Maybe just one glorious plate with a little bit of everything? Or is pumpkin pie your jam? Whatever it is you’re most excited about, have some. Yes, fill your plate with lots of veggies and the healthy stuff, but fill in the gaps with the foods you are really looking forward to eating, and then enjoy them.
Get right back on track the next day
Thanksgiving is only 1 day. Enjoy that day, eat a great meal with no guilt, and then get right back to your normal routine on Friday morning. And, see tip #1 - get in a great workout to help reset your healthy clock.
Get rid of the temptations
If you know that leftover pumpkin pie is just too tempting to avoid, get rid of it. Give it to away, toss it, whatever you have to do. Just don’t keep it lying around. After the holiday is over, turn your kitchen back into a healthy, safe environment that will help you stay on track and reach your goals.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!