Thanksgiving is the holiday for giving thanks for what we have, spending time with friends and family. But it’s also the holiday often associated with excessive amounts of food! Everyone knows that a Thanksgiving meal is often laden with sugary and carb-loaded goodies and many overindulge and consume more in this one meal than they normally do in a whole day. But have you ever noticed how you feel after this extravagant meal? Most feel groggy and tired and maybe so full you feel sick. Yes, it’s fine to splurge on holiday foods, but making a few healthy changes to your Thanksgiving routine could mean you’ll feel better and more Thankful in the end!
Here are some helpful healthy Thanksgiving Day tips!
Eat breakfast: Breakfast is often called the “most important meal of the day.” This is especially true on Thanksgiving! It may seem counterproductive to eat a hearty breakfast before a large Thanksgiving feast, but eating something in the morning can help you keep portions smaller at the big meal. Breakfast will also keep you energized enough to get kitchen task done and entertain your guests. Try having some scrambled eggs, a small omelet with veggies, or fruit with greek yogurt. The protein will keep you full all morning and keep you from feeling ravenous once dinner is served.
Get off the couch: No you don’t have to work off every morsel you eat! But keeping in mind that the typical Thanksgiving meal weighs in at about 3,000 calories you may want to incorporate some physical activity to your day to avoid weight gain. Even just a short 10 minute walk before and after the meal not only wards of winter pounds but boosts your energy and confidence levels!
Try some healthy alternatives: We all have our favorite traditional holiday dishes that we are reluctant to change. You don’t have to change all your dishes to healthier alternatives, but try substituting healthier options in a few side dishes. Maybe have mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes this year. Or try making your own mushroom cream soup for the green bean casserole instead of the processed canned soup version.
Here at Family First, we always strive to help you be the BEST you you can be, but also have fun doing it. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours and we hope that you remember everything you have to be thankful for this holiday season!