It’s that time of year again, when families gather together to share a meal and celebrate the season. Many people look forward to this holiday with anticipation, but it can also be filled with stress if you are preparing food for another person who is on a restricted diet or has certain needs. This year, we want to give you some tips on how to make your Turkey Day as healthy as possible! Below are 10 top tips for a healthy thanksgiving.
Eat Breakfast
Skipping meals to bank calories for later is a common misconception when it comes to dieting. In fact, it can be more harmful to your metabolism than helpful. Skipping meals slows down the process of fat loss and reduces energy levels throughout the day. Skipping dinner on Thanksgiving might lower your blood sugar levels, making you feel hungry soon after and prompting you to overeat once you’re finally able to eat. Start the day with a healthy, protein-rich breakfast like Greek yogurt with nuts and fruit or a protein shake. A light lunch should include lots of fiber and fresh veggies.
Stay Active
Start your holiday off on the right foot by getting some exercise. Even if you are basting the turkey all day, there is plenty of time to squeeze in a workout before guests arrive. Take advantage of the beautiful autumn weather for an invigorating walk or jog outside. Keep yourself busy by helping with Thanksgiving dinner tasks like setting the table and washing dishes so that your hands are too full to eat!
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can interfere with fat-burning hormones in our bodies by lowering levels of testosterone and increasing estrogen production. A good amount is one drink per day for women and two drinks per week for men. If you do choose to indulge during Thanksgiving Day itself, plan ahead so that it doesn’t turn into an all-day binge session! Try something light such as champagne—yes, this celebratory beverage does have some health benefits!
Drink Water
Water is not only essential for keeping our body hydrated, but it also helps us to avoid overeating. Sip on a glass of water before digging in, and you might find yourself less hungry once the meal begins. For added zest, add fresh lemon or lime wedges to your water. Drinking water with a meal can also help to fill you up and slow down the absorption of food into your stomach.
Be Mindful Of Your Portions And Plate
It’s important not to overload our plate with foods high in calories but low in nutritional value, such as white bread and sugary desserts like pumpkin pie. Instead, try filling half of your plate with fresh veggies and leafy greens while reserving one quarter for lean protein (turkey or roasted chicken) and another quarter for whole grains like brown rice or quinoa. This way, we get lots of fiber without loading on too many extra calories!
Eat Slowly
We often eat more than we realize when our attention is focused on other activities, like watching television or scrolling through social media. Take time to enjoy your food by concentrating all of your senses on the Thanksgiving meal in front of you! You’ll be less likely to overeat if you savor each bite and give yourself time between bites for the flavors to spread across your tongue.
