How to Have a Healthy (Healthier) Thanksgiving in 2015
The official holiday season is upon us and Thanksgiving is ready to kick off. With crowded homes, time spent traveling and shorter days, Thanksgiving can also be a time where personal health takes a back seat to our other responsibilities. It is an easy time for many of us to fall into unhealthy habits, especially when Grandma won’t let you leave the table without your piece of her pumpkin pie. For most, the struggle is real when it comes to staying active and eating healthy during this time of the year. However, take heed because we have 10 great tips to having a healthier holiday:
- Get outside – Play a game of touch football, take a walk or plan a family scavenger hunt
- Fill your plate only one time – Don’t go back for seconds – or thirds, or fourths
- Put your leftovers away – Right after dinner, put away the snacks and leftovers. It is too easy to graze when the food is out to grab each time you walk by
- Drink responsibly – Alcohol loosens your inhibitions and your temptations may get the better of you
- Make “You Time” – Having a house full of your family for a few days is great, but you still need “You Time”. Pamper yourself and enjoy the holidays.
- Eat a well-balanced breakfast – Starving yourself until lunch or dinner is never a good option
- Drink a lot of water – Staying hydrated will help keep you away from the snack table and your stomach full
- Swap in healthier ingredients – For example use low-fat cream of mushroom soup in your green bean casserole recipe. Chances are that no one will even notice.
- Find a 5K to Walk/Run – Take a drive down to Sidney to participate in the 9th annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Walk/Run to End Hunger
- Moderation– Using smaller dinner plates are one way to help keep portion sizes small.