Top 10 Healthy Thanksgiving Tips

Thanksgiving sure did seem to sneak up on us quick this year! I can't believe it is already next week. I am so excited since we are hosting Thanksgiving and some of my family and friends are visiting us for a few days! I have always been a planner so I have been thinking ahead for awhile on what to do with everyone while they are here, what to eat, what to drink, etc. It is always important to me to stay healthy but I am also realistic, love good food and drinks, having a good time and just relaxing!

So how do I combine all of this together, especially during the holidays? I usually pick a few "special" meals, like Thanksgiving dinner, and maybe a night or two of going out, where I will eat whatever I want, but in moderation. The rest of the time I keep up my daily food habits. I also make sure to stay active. It might look a little different than normal but I still make sure to fit it in and invite my guests to join if they are interested. It is a little easy to spiral out of control in times like this but if you go in with a plan, you can stay ahead of the game! Here are some tips on how to implement healthy behaviors for yourself this Thanksgiving:

1. Make or bring your own healthy food, snacks and drinks wherever you are going (or at your own house).
2. Keep your normal, healthy food routine and plan for your special indulgences (in moderation).
3. Don't starve yourself so you can eat more later, that usually ends up working against you.
4. Fill your Thanksgiving plate once, focusing on filling it with veggies and lean protein and a small serving of the more indulgent foods. 
5. Don't go back for seconds, if anything, try to make sure there are leftovers so you can eat a little bit again the next day and actually enjoy it, instead of feeling stuffed and tired.
6. Make your food selections worth it. Don't just eat it because it is there.
7. Treasure the time spent with your family and friends instead of just focusing on the food and drinks.
8. Drink mainly water. Alternate a low-calorie beverage (wine, light beer) with a full glass of water to help yourself slow down. 
9. If someone is pressuring you to eat something they made, take them aside and explain to them that you love their cooking but that you feel so much better when you don't overeat and you would rather not. You could also ask if you could take some home with you if they don't leave you alone about it. Just remember that it is your body and your choice if you want to eat something or not, don't feel pressured to do something you don't want to do. 
10. Plan some sort of activity for yourself and/or the whole family to stay active and sane! Turkey Trot or after dinner walk, anyone? 

But all of this aside, it really is okay if you eat a little more indulgently than you desire on Thanksgiving. It's not a big deal, just pick back up where you would like to be at your next meal and move on. Enjoy yourself.

If stress is your main concern, make sure to carve out a few minutes to take care of yourself each day. If it is going on a walk/run, doing yoga, taking a bubble bath, reading a book or meditating, make sure you do it to stay sane...not only for yourself, but for others, lol! Need help meditating? Try downloading an app like Calm or Headspace! 

Need more help than this? Check out my Balanced Eating + Workout Plan  on Prepear and you will receive 6 weeks of menu plans for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and a workout guide - all to keep you healthy and sane throughout the holidays this year! Just need help with your Thanksgiving menu? Get it all planned for you for 8 people right here!