5 Simple Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with friends and family to show gratitude, celebrate and enjoy unforgettable fall flavors! Food means a lot of different things to a lot of us, which is why it tends to be the focal point of many celebratory moments. That being said, let’s not forget that we don’t need to neglect our health during this memorable holiday. Below are 5 simple tips to guide you through a happy, healthy Thanksgiving.

1. Get moving. Don’t let travel or socializing get in the way of your desire to stay active. Plan your walk, bike ride, ab workout or yoga practice before the festivities begin! Before and after your thanksgiving meal, rally the group for a long walk to help digestion and get fresh air.
2. Don’t skimp on breakfast. In anticipation of the Thanksgiving meal, it’s tempting to skip breakfast to ‘save your calories’ for the big meal. As you know, this plan can backfire quickly. To prevent overeating and from hindering your metabolism, energy levels and mood, make sure to eat a well balanced breakfast, like plain yogurt, eggs, or steel cut oats.
3.  1/2 plate rule. Instead of avoiding your favorite Thanksgiving menu items, allow yourself a small portion of them while filling at least half of your plate with raw, steamed, baked, or roasted vegetables. This is a great way to enjoy the flavors you look forward to the most, while consuming quality nutrients and fiber.
4. Easy on the alcohol. It’s important to unwind and relax while you’re celebrating the holiday, but consuming too much alcohol too quickly rarely has a positive outcome. Instead, drink plenty of water leading up to Thanksgiving and alternate between drinks with a tall glass of lemon, sparkling or plain water.
5. Pitch in. If you’re unsure whether healthy menu items will exist on Thanksgiving- you can change that! Take the initiative to bring healthy (but delicious!) dishes to share. This way, you avoid being stuck in a situation where the only options you have are heavy and unhealthy.

For additional health and dietary advice during the Holidays, email maura@bostonbalans.com.