Make the Most of Thanksgiving with These Health and Wellness Tips
Thanksgiving is about savoring delicious foods, practicing gratitude and spending time with family. While it’s a time for celebration, balancing enjoyment with healthy choices can make a big difference in how you feel both physically and mentally.
Here are some essential tips to help you make the most of the holiday by being mindful of what you eat and drink, staying active and managing your stress levels.
Making Healthy Food Choices
Indulging can be a fun part of Thanksgiving, but you can still prioritize your health while enjoying your favorite dishes. With a little pre-planning, you can make healthier food choices without missing out on flavor.
Start with a healthy breakfast: Many people skip breakfast on Thanksgiving to prepare for the large meal later in the day. However, this approach can lead to overeating. Instead, try having a balanced breakfast that includes protein and fiber, such as eggs with whole-grain toast or oatmeal with nuts and fruit. These healthy breakfast options can prevent you from going overboard at Thanksgiving dinner.
Go for lean proteins: Fortunately, turkey is a great source of lean protein. Don’t be afraid to pile it on your plate, keeping in mind that skinless white meat is typically a healthier option than dark meat.
Load up on vegetables: If you’re going for a balanced meal, make sure half of your plate is filled with vegetables. Roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, carrots and sweet potatoes are delicious and nutritious options. These fiber-rich foods can also help you feel fuller for longer.
Try eating mindfully: Taking the time to savor each bite allows your body to signal fullness before you’re tempted to overeat. Put your fork down between bites and engage in conversation to be fully present during the mealtime experience.
Minimize alcohol consumption: Alcohol can be an enjoyable part of Thanksgiving celebrations, but it’s important to be mindful of how much you consume. For every alcoholic drink, try alternating with a glass of water. This keeps you hydrated and helps prevent overindulging.
Staying Active During the Holidays
After a filling Thanksgiving meal, it’s natural to feel a bit sluggish. However, incorporating physical activity into your holiday celebrations can help you better manage your food choices and keep your energy up. Here are some tips for staying active during Thanksgiving and beyond.
Take a family walk: After a meal (Thanksgiving dinner or any family meal), suggest a walk around the neighborhood or a nearby park. Walking for 15 to 30 minutes after eating can aid in digestion and burn off some of those extra calories.
Join a local Turkey Trot: Many communities hold Turkey Trot races or fun runs on the morning of Thanksgiving. Participating is a great way to start the day with some exercise and can be a healthy tradition to begin with family and friends.
Stay active around the house: Helping with meal preparation, setting the table, handling post-dinner clean-up or playing with the kids will keep you moving throughout the celebrations. You might be surprised at how many calories you burn!
Try an indoor exercise routine: If Thanksgiving weekend is too chilly for outdoor activities, you can still focus on your fitness inside the house. You don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment either! Bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups and yoga can be done anywhere. You can also try online fitness classes, which offer a wide range of options from cardio to strength training.
Managing Stress Levels
Thanksgiving is a time of joy, but it can also be stressful. The pressure of preparing meals, hosting guests or traveling can make you feel overwhelmed. Spending a long weekend (or even just a day) with extended family might add to the pressure.
To prioritize your mental health this Thanksgiving, try these stress management techniques:
Practice gratitude: Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, so it’s the perfect time to focus on what you’re thankful for. Gratitude can have a positive impact on your mental health, as you learn to appreciate all you have. Take a few minutes to note what you’re thankful for and shift your mindset from stress to a more positive outlook.
Delegate tasks: Don’t be afraid to ask for help with cooking, cleaning or hosting duties. Sharing the workload can ease stress and give you more time to enjoy the day.
Take breaks to unwind: In the rush of holiday preparations and celebrations, it’s easy to neglect self-care. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, step away for a few moments to breathe deeply, meditate or go for a short walk. Even a few minutes of mindfulness can reduce stress and improve your mood.
Stay present: Focus on the joy of spending time with loved ones. Put away phones and other distractions to be fully engaged in the conversations and experiences around you. Even if you don’t always get along with your family, try focusing on the details you do enjoy, like the flavors of a favorite seasonal dish.