Healthy Hacks to Thrive this Thanksgiving

I’ve spoken to so many of you about your biggest health struggle over the holidays, and inevitably, food is a huge one. Often, you undo all of your hard work throughout the year in the last few months. Which means, you start the new year with new plans to get your health in order, again. And the majority of us continue that cycle for our whole lives. Sound familiar?

Do you want this year to be different? Instead of throwing all caution to the wind and waiting for the new year to roll around, why not find your perfect balance and stay on track, while still enjoying those yummy holiday dishes.

Incorporate these healthy hacks to survive Thanksgiving and all the other parties and festivities of the season.

1. Move your body

Instead of just lounging all day waiting for the big meal to arrive on the table, go for a walk.  My favorite way to start Thanksgiving day is with a morning walk. It feels great to start the day with some fresh air and helps to set the tone for the day. Involve your relatives and make it a family affair by taking a long stroll after the big meal, as well. Not only is it relaxing and good quality time, but it will also help you digest your food better.

2. Eat breakfast

Don’t think you are ‘saving calories’ by not eating breakfast. This approach often backfires. You will be so hungry when you sit down to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner you are likely to overeat. Make a healthy breakfast choice, like a smoothie or scrambled eggs with peppers and onions, and enjoy a hearty salad for lunch. It will keep your blood sugar balanced so you won’t become too hungry, and you’ll have made great choices all day so you can indulge a little at Thanksgiving dinner.

3. Go light on the gravy

Gravy is one of the things we look forward to at Thanksgiving — a little extra flavor we don’t typically have throughout the year. However, be mindful of the portion size. A large ladle can rack up an extra 800 calorie. Instead, grab a tablespoon and drizzle your gravy onto your plate. By using this hack, you’ll still enjoy your gravy — guilt free.

4. Bring a healthy side

If you’ve been invited to a Thanksgiving dinner, offer to bring a side dish and make it a healthy one! Some options are a mixed green salad with homemade dressing, roasted sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.  These are incredibly simple and delicious. If you prefer something more elaborate, google healthy Thanksgiving sides or check Pinterest to whip up something fancier.

5. Savor the desserts

Check out all the desserts on offer first, before choosing anything. This is not a free license to eat everything on the dessert table. However, if grandma makes the best pumpkin pie, make sure you save room to enjoy a small piece. See lots you want to try? Then take bite-sized samples of each, then sit and truly savor them. Don’t overdo it, but enjoy those desserts you only get to have a few days per year.

6. Perfect your portions

When filling up your plate, load it up with veggies first, then the rest. When you make the majority of your plate veggies, you’ll feel fuller without feeling overstuffed. Plus, that gives you room to enjoy that dessert you’ve been pining for all year.

7. Wear fitted clothes

I find that I pay more attention to my food choices when I wear snug clothes. Don’t go too tight or you can cause too much pressure on the stomach and trigger acid reflux. However, if you wear elastic wasted pants, there is a stronger urge to overeat, as you don’t feel ‘full’ as quickly.

Thanksgiving should be a relaxing holiday that you enjoy, but having a few boundaries will go a long way to help you maintain your healthy lifestyle.

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving tradition? Mine is definitely homemade pumpkin pie with freshly whipped cream! We use this gluten-free graham cracker crust by Mi-del to make it easier.

Leave a comment below and let me know what your favorite Thanksgiving tradition is – I always love reading what others hold near and dear to their hearts this holiday!

Yours in wellness.

Elizabeth