If you’re like most Americans, you look forward to Thanksgiving dinner all year round: the juicy turkey, flavorful stuffing, fluffy mashed potatoes, tart cranberry sauce, and of course a big dollop of gravy to top it all off. Second helpings and slices of pie for dessert are integral to the experience as well. But perhaps this year you’re trying to stick to a healthier diet. Check out our Thanksgiving tips for healthy eating below for ways to limit your indulgences while still thoroughly enjoying this food-focused holiday.
Thanksgiving Tips for Healthy Eating
Get Active.
If you’re trying to be healthier this Thanksgiving, remember that it’s not all about the food. Why not also incorporate some exercise into your day so that you can burn off those extra calories? This is also a great way to socialize with your family on the big day. You could start your morning with a long walk to admire the last of the fall leaves. Then after dinner, take another walk before dessert so that you can work up an appetite for pumpkin pie.
Come Hungry
Thanksgiving is not a day for an extravagant breakfast of pancakes, bacon, and biscuits with gravy. Start your day with a light meal – perhaps cereal with fruit or eggs and toast – so that you don’t fill up too much. And since most people eat Thanksgiving dinner between 1:00pm and 3:00pm, you probably shouldn’t plan on eating lunch at all. Let your stomach rest and get properly hungry before the big meal.
Limit the Appetizers.
Unless there is some particular appetizer you look forward to each year, try to limit your pre-dinner snacks. Look at it this way: the more appetizers you eat, the less room you’ll have in your stomach for turkey and pumpkin pie!
Eat Small Portions.
It’s always tempting to load up a plate with all your Thanksgiving favorites, but remember to start small. Give yourself modest portions of each item and then let your stomach decide if you’re up for seconds. Sometimes it’s tempting to stuff yourself full on Thanksgiving, but remember that if you eat a more moderate feast with smaller portions, you’ll have more leftovers to eat for lunch the next day! Who doesn’t love a good turkey sandwich on the day after Thanksgiving?
Focus on Veggies and Skinless Turkey.
If you love mashed potatoes, gravy, and stuffing, we certainly won’t stand in your way on Thanksgiving day! However, if they’re not your favorites, why not skip them this year? Or give yourself smaller portions? Since you’re looking for Thanksgiving tips for healthy eating, we encourage you to fill the majority of your plate with healthy items like vegetables and skinless turkey breast.
Savor Your Food.
Finally, don’t scarf down your meal. Eat slowly, savoring each bite. Thanksgiving dinner only comes once a year, after all. Between bites, cherish the time spent with your family. And when you clear your plate, give your stomach a little time to digest before you go back for seconds. After several minutes, you might find that you’re actually too full to eat more and would rather hold off to ensure you’re able to eat dessert!
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When it comes to eating, self-control can be quite a struggle this time of year. So whatever happens, we applaud you for making an effort to focus on your health during the holidays.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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