Everyone knows that Thanksgiving 2020 is different from any other Thanksgiving holiday we have had. Personally, I like to look for silver linings. Be thankful for what you have and you will end up having more.
Whether you are enjoying a meal with your “pod” or on your own, and while eating plays a large part during the fall and winter holidays, this season doesn’t have to be a time to give up on healthy habits entirely. Here are a couple of quick tips to stay fit and healthy over Thanksgiving while still eating some of the foods that you love.
Get outside- This holiday is also a great time to get outside and go for a walk or a run with another family member or friend.
Eat in the morning- People often skip breakfast on Thanksgiving Day in order to ‘save their appetite’ for dinner. This isn’t the best idea for your health. Avoiding food until the afternoon often leads to hunger and excess eating during the Thanksgiving meal.
Drink water- Staying hydrated is important and generally people do not do enough of it – particularly when the weather turns cooler. Try drinking several full glasses of water during the day so that your body does not mistake thirst for hunger.
Use a smaller plate- Did you know that eating off of a smaller plate helps you to eat 22% fewer calories compared to using a larger plate.
Slow down- Chew slowly. Did you know that fast eaters consumed 3 ounces of food per minute, while slow eaters only ate about 2 ounces per minute.
Be aware of “danger” foods- Be careful of foods that may seem healthy, but actually aren’t. These can include green bean casserole, gratins, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. That does not mean to stay away from them entirely, but just to eat everything in moderation.
Don’t deny desserts- Don’t feel that you have to restrict yourself entirely from certain foods. Simply try to enjoy the sweeter items in moderation.
This year, I know I will try my best to be more present, more grateful and very thankful for the blessings I have. I wish you and your loved one a happy healthy holiday.