How To Have a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving

Ever since I became a Health Coach, I’ve received a whole lot of adversity because of my choice to consume healthy foods. Although my family is the one I receive it from the most, I am pleased that we are making a conscious effort and building strides to choose healthier alternatives. Thanksgiving is no exception — at least when I am the hostess.

How you approach the holidays is a personal choice. For some of us, this is one of those “treat” days where we eat what we want, without guilt, knowing we’ll be back on our mindful eating path the following day. For others, particularly if you are trying to lose weight or live healthier, you certainly don’t want to start a “season of overeating.”

So here are a few of the tips I like to share this time of year

Try Thanksgiving grazing. Load your plate with vegetables and whole grains and just a side of lean turkey. When the rest of the dishes and desserts are passed, choose one or two that you really want, but put just a spoonful of each on your plate – not an entire serving. That way you will get a taste of the holiday foods you love most, without overeating or feeling deprived. (Two foods I always skip are white potatoes and bread. What foods are you willing to skip this year?)
Try alternatives, not abstinence. I roast sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg instead of marshmallows, for a lighter, healthier dish that still shouts “Thanksgiving!” I’ve, also, been ditching the stuffing, for years. Any way I can do with less starch is best for my midsection.
Don’t drink your calories. You don’t have to imbibe spirits to get into the spirit! The traditional apple cider is quite fine, just add some spices to “healthify” it, such as cloves and cinnamon sticks…room temperature or warm. You can even try switching to sparkling water with lemon. And, how about muddling fresh raspberries and dropping them into your water glass, stir, and sip for a dash of holiday whimsy?!?
Pace yourself. Remember, Thanksgiving kicks off a “season of eating” – if you let it. Don’t give in to the domino-effect that can happen from consuming large amounts of sugar, alcohol and dairy. Also, remember that food temptation is only one stress of the holidays; houseguests (although probably none this year), family dynamics, kids home from school—all can send you running to the refrigerator. Try to be aware of your relationship with food and how you feel after indulging. Headache? Bloated? Exhausted? Moody? Why ruin your holiday by not feeling your best? Reducing or eliminating sugar, meat, alcohol and processed foods will help you avoid these symptoms, feel better and have more energy.
Don’t throw it all away. Even if you do over-indulge on Thanksgiving day, remember: it’s just one day. Don’t throw away all of your hard work by turning one day into a long-weekend marathon of eating. Stock up on disposable containers and send your loved ones home with all of the leftovers. Find out if a shelter will let you bring uneaten pies, cakes and casseroles. You can’t eat it if it’s not in your house.
Find other ways to enjoy the holidays. Bundle up and take a walk after the big Thanksgiving meal. Organize a game of touch football. Pull out the board games and close down the kitchen. Build a fire and tell stories, or watch old family videos (remember those?). If you haven’t already, try establishing a new family tradition – have each one go around the table and share what we are most thankful for this year. Everyone slows down for a minute and it reminds us what the holiday is truly all about: Giving Thanks.