Hello, dear readers! I hope you are all doing well and enjoying this festive season. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays in the United States, because it is a time to celebrate the blessings in our lives, to express our gratitude to the people who matter to us, and to share a delicious meal with our loved ones.
But I know that Thanksgiving can also be a challenging time for some of us, especially if we are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It can be hard to resist the temptation of indulging in all the mouth-watering dishes that are served on the table, or to avoid overeating and feeling guilty afterwards.
That’s why I want to share with you some tips on how to have a healthy and happy Thanksgiving in 2023, without compromising on the joy and satisfaction of this special occasion.
Tip #1: Plan ahead
One of the best ways to avoid overeating or making unhealthy choices on Thanksgiving is to plan ahead. This means that you should decide in advance what you are going to eat, how much you are going to eat, and when you are going to eat.
For example, you can choose to have a light breakfast and lunch, so that you can save some room for the main meal. You can also prepare some healthy snacks, such as fruits, nuts, or yogurt, to munch on throughout the day, to keep your hunger and cravings at bay.
You can also check the menu of the host or the restaurant where you are going to have your Thanksgiving dinner, and decide what dishes you are going to have, and what dishes you are going to skip. You can also ask the host if you can bring a healthy dish of your own, such as a salad, a soup, or a vegetable casserole, to contribute to the feast.
Tip #2: Portion control
Another key to having a healthy and happy Thanksgiving is to practice portion control. This means that you should be mindful of how much food you put on your plate, and how much food you consume.
A good rule of thumb is to fill half of your plate with vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, such as turkey, chicken, or fish, and a quarter with whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat bread. You can also use smaller plates, bowls, and utensils, to trick your brain into thinking that you are eating more than you actually are.
You should also avoid going back for seconds, or piling up your plate with too much food. Instead, you should savor each bite, chew slowly, and enjoy the flavors and textures of the food. You should also listen to your body, and stop eating when you feel full, not when you feel stuffed.
Tip #3: Balance indulgence with moderation
Of course, Thanksgiving is not only about eating healthy, but also about enjoying the food and the company. That’s why I don’t believe in depriving yourself of the foods that you love, or feeling guilty for having a slice of pie or a glass of wine.
However, I do believe in balancing indulgence with moderation. This means that you should treat yourself to the foods that you really want, but in small amounts, and only occasionally. You should also balance your indulgence with some physical activity, such as taking a walk, playing a game, or dancing, to burn off some calories and boost your mood.
You should also drink plenty of water, to stay hydrated and to flush out toxins. You should also limit your intake of alcohol, sugar, and salt, as they can dehydrate you, spike your blood sugar, and increase your blood pressure.
Tip #4: Be grateful
Finally, the most important tip for having a healthy and happy Thanksgiving is to be grateful. Thanksgiving is not only about the food, but also about the meaning behind it. It is a time to reflect on the good things in our lives, to appreciate the people who support us, and to express our thanks to them.
Being grateful can have many benefits for our health and happiness, such as reducing stress, improving mood, enhancing self-esteem, strengthening relationships, and promoting optimism. So, this Thanksgiving, I encourage you to practice gratitude, by writing a thank-you note, saying a prayer, making a toast, or simply telling someone how much you appreciate them.
I hope you found these tips helpful, and I wish you all a healthy and happy Thanksgiving in 2023! Thank you for reading my blog, and for being part of my journey. I am truly grateful for your support and feedback. Stay tuned for more posts on healthy living, and feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below. Until next time, take care and be well!