Healthy Thanksgiving Tips You’ll Love

Thanksgiving is about family, gratitude, and incredible food. But with so many tempting dishes, it’s easy to overindulge. Here are 7 practical tips to enjoy the holiday while keeping your health in check:

1. Start the Day Active: A morning workout, turkey trot, or family walk sets the tone for the day and boosts your metabolism so you burn more calories throughout the day.
2. Prioritize Your Favorites: Skip piling your plate with everything. Pick what you truly love and savor it. Who wants to waste their calories on things they don’t like?
3. Balance Your Plate: Fill half your plate with veggies, a quarter with protein (like turkey), and the rest with indulgent sides. Protein and veggies are low in calories and keep you full for longer.
4. Practice Mindful Eating: Slow down and enjoy every bite. You’ll feel more satisfied and less likely to overeat. Tap into your hunger cues. It takes time for your body to actually register that it’s full.
5. Stay Hydrated: Drink water consistently, especially if you’re enjoying cocktails or wine.
6. Take a Walk After the Meal: A stroll aids digestion and keeps your energy up for the rest of the day. This will also help use that sugar in your blood (from the potatoes, bread, desserts, etc.) so less of it gets converted into fat.
7. Get Back on Track: Don’t let one meal derail you. It’s the holiday and ok to enjoy ourselves. Return to your normal routine the next day with light movement and balanced meals. What matters is what does our normal routine look like? Are we consistently exercising, eating lots of protein and vegetables, and getting enough sleep every night?

Enjoy the holiday with a mix of indulgence and mindfulness. Thanksgiving is about celebrating, not stressing!