Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
The holiday’s can cause us to feel an extra layer of stress around the fact that we really want to enjoy all the good food and drink, but we also don’t want to un-do all of the hard work we have been putting in during the first 10 months of the year. For me, food, is an ongoing battle of what I feel like I “need” and what I actually need — not just “need” it because it is in put in front of me.
Know BEFORE you go into Thanksgiving dinner that there will some treats and be at PEACE with it. Decide from the beginning: Are you going to stick to your healthy eating plan, are you going to allow yourself something you really love, but might usually skip? If so, then plan to REALLY LOVE it when you’re having it.
Use the “IS IT WORTH IT” test… and I suggest you don’t go with the THROW CAUTION TO THE WIND and then plan to get back to your regularly scheduled eating plan the day after. For me, that plan never works and I end up throwing caution to the wind right through to Christmas! Whatever the plan is, it is YOUR plan. Do not let anyone else make you feel bad and do not make yourself feel bad, regardless of what happens.
Here are 5 tips to follow this Thanksgiving to keep yourself feeling great, on track with your goals, and following your instincts when it comes to eating this amazing dinner.
The TIPS!
1. Enjoy the time with family and friends!!! A Thanksgiving get together isn’t all about the food – it’s also about getting together and catching up. Make socializing more important than eating.
2. When it comes to food – choose a balance of protein, veggies and healthy fats for your main meal! Those are the food groups that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Watch out for those dangerous, aka, less than healthy carbohydrates. A small helping of buttery mashed potatoes goes a long way and I recommend you think twice about those dinner rolls. Eat just as much as fits on a (small) plate, and try not to graze! Stick to eating at the sit down meal and one or two snacks if the get together lasts awhile. This dinner is not the last time you will ever eat again!
3. Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re going to have the beer, wine or other adult beverage. Water will keep you more full and combat the extra salt you may take in during the appetizers and the feast. Don’t regret the adult beverages at the holiday gathering if you really love them. Just remember the water. And, speaking of wine, try spritzing it up with some flavored seltzer!
3. Don’t wear stretchy leggings. You have been working hard on your goals, so wearing stretchy leggings so you can “eat three plates of food” is not going to be helpful. Rock your holiday outfit and walk tall, showing off those results, no matter how big or small.
4. Eat some dessert! Decide on which one you are going to eat at the beginning and stick to it. You might even realize that a bite or two is enough. Do not go with “clear your plate” mantra!! Focus on FEELING GOOD. Eat what FEELS GOOD. Slow down and enjoy the choices you make. I’ll be going for pumpkin pie and a baked apple dessert.
5. Remember what this holiday is all about: GRATITUDE. What are you grateful for this year? Write it down. Remember what you are ACTUALLY CELEBRATING. Food is not the enemy, so don’t treat it like one. Enjoy it!
BONUS TIP:
SWEAT IT UP!! Do not skip your workout! If anything, go EXTRA! Wake up on Thanksgiving morning and sweat because you can, sweat for those who can’t, and sweat for JOY. You matter and you are worth it. Remember… endorphins make you happier.
Some side dish ideas:
- Butternut Squash Sausage Stuffing
- Grain Free Pumpkin Pie Cups
- Roasted veggies – throw chopped up veggies on a cookie sheet with a little avocado oil and seasonings
- Baked apples – toss, in some oats, a little sprinkle of sea salt, nutmeg and cinnamon
Have a happy, healthy holiday with friends and family!