A Healthier Thanksgiving: Tips For A Mindful Holiday

A healthier Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean saying no to the most delicious, rich foods. You can (and should) enjoy whatever you want when you make mindful eating choices that are based on how you feel. 

A Healthier Thanksgiving: How do you want to feel?

I’ve written about balance and how what is most important is to focus making choices that leave you feeling good. When it comes to holiday eating, that can mean different things for everyone. The season of family gatherings, cocktail parties and work events is upon us, and your healthy equilibrium can fall to the wayside – especially in the food realm. As you know my food philosophy focuses on eating real food rather than following any particular diet or restricting the things you crave. Here are some of the ways I approach Thanksgiving and the holidays to keep my mind and body happy. 

Don’t go hungry, don’t go full

You don’t want to sit down to Thanksgiving totally famished or you’ll absolutely eat so much you’re stuffed. No one likes to feel stuffed! But you also want to make sure you bring the best sauce to the table: hunger. I try to eat a regular breakfast and lunch and make them as vegetable-based and healthy as possible. A green smoothie for breakfast and a salad for lunch. (We tend to eat a Thanksgiving dinner around 5:00). I make them on the petite side so I work up a good appetite. 

Warm up and hydrate with some tea.

Tea is a great pick-me-up any time of the day, and it will help curb your appetite while you’re waiting for the bird (or tofurkey…!) to cook. Plus, if it’s super cold where you live, you need tea in your life! It’s good for the heart and brain, helps to hydrate you, and is an easy way to find a moment of zen in your day. Try drinking yerba mate for extra antioxidants!

Bring your own healthy-ish recipe.

The best way to ensure there is something with greens on the table is to make it yourself. Even if others don’t seem excited, you can bring your friends and family over to the green side with dishes that combine healthier greens with delicious richer ingredients like bacon or crumbled blue cheese. (And for the days that follow, try this squash salad that is leftover-friendly or the kale caesar I shared yesterday!) 

Portion size is everything. 

Nobody wants to skip out on the best of the best Thanksgiving dishes: the sweet potatoes with marshmallows or the decadent stuffing. Definitely have some of those! But, don’t go totally crazy and get so full that you can’t walk. Have some of your favorites, but balance them out with healthier options too – like that green side you brought. : ) 

Make time for the outdoors.

I used to get up and run six miles on Thanksgiving. Add that to the ways motherhood has changed me! But a group family walk or sports in the front yard is always a great idea. A nice long walk, especially after a big meal, does wonders for the mind and body. It’s great for digestion and an active way to get family together outside. (How cute was little Mazey!?)

Don’t Drink Too Much

Drinking too much the #1 way I wake up on Black Friday full of regret. It’s easy to get carried away when there are 5 bottles of wine open. I want to try them all! I eat start the meal by saying I’m going to have two big glasses – one at happy hour and one with dinner. OR I have 3-4 half glasses so I can try more things. I know myself – I have to keep a tally or I will get carried away in the merriment!

Don’t waste stomach space on things you can eat everyday

I LOVE buttery rolls, but I usually skip them on holidays because I can have one any day of the year. Save room for the foods that you can only have at the holidays: special sides, perfectly crispy turkey skin (yum!), your aunt’s famous triple chocolate pecan pie.

What’s your approach for a healthier Thanksgiving Day?