The Thanksgiving holiday is approaching and while it should be a time for relaxation and giving thanks, many people tend to stress over food, weight gain, and the post-meal guilt that tends to follow. Instead of having that Thanksgiving hangover guilt or stressing about the platter of unhealthy food that will be in front of you, here are some tips to help you stay on a healthy track but not deprive yourself of enjoying the holiday!
- Eat Breakfast & Lunch
- Skipping meals to "save up on calories" is the biggest mistake you can make! While it might make sense to do this, eating a nutritious meal in the morning and afternoon will give you more control over your appetite later on in the day. You don't want to be starving for your Thanksgiving gathering because then you are more likely to devour everything in sight! Eat meals that include protein and fiber so your tummies will be satisfied going into the day! (tip: apples are great for fiber!)
- Put a healthy spin on your Thanksgiving classics
- Who says it takes unhealthy foods to make thanksgiving taste good!? You can still make your favorite recipes except with healthier ingredients! Here are are few healthy substitutes:
- swap almond milk for whole milk
- swap 100% whole wheat, gluten free, and sprouted flours for white flour
- swap unsweetened applesauce or coconut oil for butter and sugar
- swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes
- swap Quinoa and other sprouted grains for white rice and stuffing
- Stay hydrated
- Drink a lot of water during the day! I'm talking camel status. Sometimes your body will mistake thirst for hunger. Staying hydrated will keep you from thinking that your hungry when really you are just thirsty!
- Stop eating when you're full
- Remember that it takes your mind 20 minutes to register that you're full. Enjoy reasonable portions of each food ( size of your fist), and before going back for seconds take a break and relax...the food isn't going anywhere! In those 20 minutes, rather than hovering over the appetizer or dessert table, make an effort to enjoy the company of your friends and family! After all, it's what Thanksgiving should be all about! Play games, talk about what your grateful for, and stop thinking about food…. be in the moment!!!
- *Don't let yourself feel bad about indulging
- The truth is, we all are probably going to indulge a little more than we usually do. But there are two options: One, you can feel guilty and be mad at yourself or two, you can realize that one day of eating a little off track is not going to kill you! Eat healthy meals throughout the day, make healthy substitutions, stay hydrated and after controlling those things, if you have a couple of unhealthy deserts its okay! Take a deep breath, put things in perspective, and Friday morning get right back on that healthy track!
Do you stress about food and gaining weight around the holiday's? How will you make this Thanksgiving a heather and happier one?
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