10 Tips For A Healthy Thanksgiving
November 14, 202210 Tips For A Healthy Thanksgiving: Thanksgiving 2022 is almost here! I can’t wait to spend time with my family and friends creating new memories and even a few new traditions. This will be our first Thanksgiving without Dad so it won't be quite the same. He won’t be here to give his cooking tips and to talk me through making mom’s dressing and homemade rolls. (Mom made the best bread and dressing ever!) Or to tell me how to make his second to none over the top gravy for the hundredth time.
But we will celebrate the holiday with gratitude and many memories of the Thanksgivings of years past. We will keep our family traditions alive with all of the dishes we usually make; turkey, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, a charcuterie board, meatballs, homemade pies, and the list goes on!
Thanksgiving tends to be the one holiday in which many of us eat off-track and over indulge… but you don't have to stuff more than the turkey to enjoy the holiday!
Here are 10 Tips For A Healthy Thanksgiving
1.
Don’t skip breakfast!
Skipping breakfast to save room for Thanksgiving dinner leads to eating more later. Eat a nutrient-rich breakfast to start your day off right!
2.
Stay hydrated.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated can help suppress your appetite and jump start your metabolism. Don’t drink your calories!
3.
Practice portion control.
Use a smaller plate and choose smaller portions of the healthier foods on the menu.
4.
Choose veggies, fruits and protein first!
Before filling your plate with less healthier foods, start with the healthy choices that will help you stay on track.
5.
Practice mindful eating.
Eat slowly and savor every bite. It takes our bodies about 20 minutes after we start eating to feel like we are full. Eating at a slow pace will often keep us from going back for seconds.
6.
Stay true to your goals.
It's ok to say No. Don’t feel pressured to eat certain foods just because your favorite relative made it. Saying no thank you is OK or simply trying one small bite will do.
7.
Avoid snacking temptations.
While waiting for the main courses, it is so easy to fill up on snacks or to eat a little here and there while you cook. Try to avoid snacking and filling up on the wrong foods before you get to savor some of your favorites.
8.
Try a healthy new recipe.
Include a delicious spring mix salad or a low-fat, healthy soup on your Thanksgiving menu.
9.
Go for a walk.
Gather your family and friends and walk some of those calories away with your loved ones!
10.
Practice food safety!
Wash your hands before handling food, clean surfaces, make sure meats are thoroughly cooked. Store and prepare raw foods away from cooked, prepared foods and don’t use the same utensils.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving day by creating new memories! Love, laugh and be grateful! If you do over indulge, forgive yourself and get right back on track the day after Thanksgiving!
Tammy J. Colter is an OH staff writer and has proudly served the ObesityHelp community since 1999, helping members and professionals alike. Tammy wears many hats at ObesityHelp, she works as an author, editor, and account manager. Read more articles by Tammy!
