It seems like once the holiday season arrives, we tend to throw away our healthy habits. From the many dinner parties to to warm and cozy comfort food, it can be easy to get off track. Whether your weakness is sweet potato casserole or homemade stuffing, Thanksgiving is often the tipping point for many. The dishes are certainly delicious, but most are high calorie, high fat, and highly unhealthy. Here are our tips for a healthier Thanksgiving.
Substitute Some Ingredients
A great way to enjoy your traditional Thanksgiving dishes while keeping a relatively healthy meal is by making a few substitutions. Instead of using mushroom soup in your green bean casserole. try low-fat milk, mushrooms, and flour. That ensures a smaller amount of sodium and lower fat content. When preparing stuffing, substitute whole grain bread in place of white bread so you are consuming more nutrients and less calories.
Skip the (second piece of) Dessert
Some families might opt to completely remove dessert from the menu, but what is Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie? Allow your meal to be the main source of your nutrition for the evening. Even though one piece of pie can have a high amount of calories and sugar, one piece won’t be the end of the world. Just limit yourself to one slice…no seconds this year!
Drink Water
Alcohol, juice, and punch are often offered at Thanksgiving dinner. Try to stick to water, or opt for low-sugar options or limit yourself to one glass. If you drink a glass of water before your meal, you will feel fuller fast, which will help prevent you from overeating.
Head Outdoors
Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you are limited to sitting, eating, and then plopping on the couch. Enjoy an after-dinner stroll with the family. Or, instead of watching the game, play one of your own as a family. Getting active will help burn off some of the calories consumed throughout the day, and leave you feeling better.
Nutrition is important no matter what time of the year it is, and many people throw it to the wayside when holidays like Thanksgiving arrive. By practicing good nutrition and regular exercise along with chiropractic care, you are set for your healthiest Thanksgiving yet!
