Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and you know what that means…Eating, eating and more eating. With the holidays around the corner and the temperatures dropping outside, you’re probably starting to throw your healthy habits out the window. But, with these few simple tips, this food-filled time of year can be done the healthy way. Below are the top 5 ways to do Thanksgiving the “healthy” way while still being able to enjoy your favorite dishes.
1. Everything in Moderation
The holidays are a time to treat yourself to a few of your favorite foods. So just because you’re being healthy doesn’t mean that you should stay away from the pumpkin pie. Instead, you can take one piece rather than two. An easy way to hold yourself accountable is to fill your plate up with the healthy choices first so that you only have a little bit of room for the unhealthy (but delicious) options.
2. Plan Ahead
It’s important to take a minute to think about what you’re going to eat at your Thanksgiving meal before you sit down at the table. It’s easy to go for four helpings of mashed potatoes in the moment but planning ahead of time is a great way to avoid this. Go into dinner with an idea of what you want to eat. For example, decide how many helpings of food you’re going to eat before you get there so that you can hold yourself responsible for following through.
3. Eat Slowly
This one shouldn’t be too difficult because there’s nothing like savoring a delicious plate of turkey and stuffing. Eating slowly allows your body to let you know when you feel full. To prevent overeating, try putting down your fork or talking in between bites so you’re forced to eat at a slower pace.
4. Stay Active
I know you’re probably thinking that the last thing you want to do after feasting is work out. And I agree. Instead, try going for a walk with your family after dinner or the next day. Even just a leisurely stroll around your neighborhood will help get your body moving.
5. Don’t Hang Out in the Kitchen
Since Thanksgiving is all about the food, your kitchen is probably the most happening room in the house during this time of year. While spending time in the kitchen may be tempting since it’s where all the action is, try to limit this as much as possible. Spending time in the kitchen encourages unnecessary snacking. Save the eating for dinner time and spend the day enjoying the company of your friends and family in other areas of the house.
Following these tips will help you to feel good about all the eating that comes along with Thanksgiving. But remember, the holidays only come around once a year…so splurging isn’t always a bad thing. You deserve to indulge in good food and good company, so keep that in mind.