Everyday is Thanksgiving. I am thankful for all that I have and for who I am. Believe it or not, the Thanksgiving holiday is around the corner and I don’t think that it’s too early to start thinking about how you will prepare for it.
I will share with you that I find this holiday somewhat stressful. Could it be that my entire family descends upon me for the entire week (ok, if they are reading this then I think I may have just solved this! lol!)? No, I think it’s that the markets are crowded and most of the foods looked picked over and everyone seems to be shopping at the same time. In addition, preparing healthy foods for a meal that is traditionally heavy brings to the table (pun intended!) the dilemma of how to really eat healthy (I too love baked candied sweet potatoes with the marshmallows baked in) that brings some stress.
Would you believe that people probably consume anywhere from 3,000 to 5,000 calories around the Thanksgiving dinner table — yikes! I believe that while eating often takes center stage during the holidays, it doesn’t mean we have to give up on good health.
Whatever your plans are I have some strategies (that I will implement too!) that will help us all prepare for and get through the meal (without undoing your pants!).
#1) Make a shopping list- start now! Shop now for the non-perishable items in order to get ahead of the crowds. Then a few days before go to the farmers market to get fresh fruits and vegetables. If you are able to prepare and cook dishes in advance you will be better able to enjoy the day with family and friends.
#2) Be Active- Make fitness as much of a priority during the holiday as it is every other day. Every Thanksgiving my daughter and I go to a morning spin class. It’s a great tradition that we have and it gives us time together. As well as exercising early in the day I suggest going for an after dinner walk with your family and guests (it’s only good to be stuffed if you are a turkey!).
#3) Don’t skip meals on the day- If you starve yourself in anticipation of eating extra calories later your method will actually backfire. You will end up eating twice as much because you will go to the table really hungry.
#4) Lighten up! Your dishes can be made with less butter, less oil, light or fat free cream and fresh fruit. Here’s a sweet potato dish that I will try!
#5) Don’t overload on appetizers and don’t overload your dinner plate. I always tell my clients that if their plate looks like it’s got too much on it then it probably does! And don’t go back for seconds! What about dessert? If you love the apple or pumpkin pie, go ahead and have a small piece. No need to deprive yourself, but no need to pig out either. It’s not your last supper!
Want more ideas on how to have a healthy stress-free Thanksgiving? Contact me at rachel@livehealthynyc.com
