Thanksgiving is a glorious time of year if, like us, you love food. Crisp-skinned, juicy turkey! Fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes! Sweet, nutty pecan pie! It’s not difficult to imagine going overboard and ending up bloated, and full of regret.
But you don’t need to miss out on all your Thanksgiving favorites either – it’s all about balance. Here’s how to have a healthy Thanksgiving, and still enjoy it.
Start your day with a healthy breakfastDon’t be tempted to skip breakfast. It might seem like a good idea, but you’ll be much more likely to overeat if you come to the main event with your stomach growling.
Instead, have a healthy, balanced breakfast (or brunch) to start the day. Stick to your usual breakfast if you want or make it special by taking a little more time over it: a breakfast burrito, protein pancakes, or a sweet potato hash are all great options.
Drink enough waterDon’t forget about your hydration levels! Fill up a reusable water bottle and keep it near you so you can sip throughout the day. We know how tempting it is to just drink coffee or soda, but choosing water instead will save calories and will help you feel fuller so you don’t overeat at the Thanksgiving table.
Try some new healthy side dishesEveryone’s got their favorite dishes that make Thanksgiving so special, and we’re not suggesting you cut them out in favor of plain vegetables or anything crazy like that.
‘Healthy’ doesn’t mean flavorless. Try roasting vegetables like carrots and butternut squash to bring out their natural sweetness, and try serving a spiced, creamy pumpkin soup as an appetizer for a lower-calorie choice.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a healthier choice if you’re not doing the cooking. Better still, bring your own healthier dishes to share.
