Gobble Up the Good Stuff: Tips for a Healthier Thanksgiving
Gobble Up the Good Stuff: Tips for a Healthier Thanksgiving
Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, casseroles and pumpkin pie… Thanksgiving dinner is certainly not the day to count every bite! Enjoying your favorite holiday foods is part of the fun, but a little balance can help you avoid that overly stuffed, ready-for-a-nap feeling.
- Don’t skip breakfast just to make room for dinner.
- Add some vegetables and lean proteins to your plate.
- Take your time eating and go back for seconds if you’re still hungry.
- Savor your favorite desserts without feeling like you have to try every single one!
Walk Off That Second Helping
After a big Thanksgiving meal, the couch can look pretty tempting. But before everyone settles in for football and a post-dinner snooze, try getting a little movement into the day. It doesn’t have to be a workout to count!
- Take a leisurely walk around the neighborhood after dinner.
- Get the family together for a friendly game of backyard football.
- Head outside for some fresh air between cooking and eating.
Diabetes and Gluten Intolerant-Friendly Food Swaps
Thanksgiving dinner can be a little tricky for anyone managing diabetes. It’s easy for carbohydrates and added sugars to add up. A few simple ingredient swaps can make traditional sides a little more diabetes-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Here are two easy swaps to try this Thanksgiving:
Swap Green Bean Casserole for Garlic Green Beans with Toasted Almonds
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 1–2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Steam or blanch green beans until tender-crisp, then drain. Heat olive oil in a skillet and lightly toast the sliced almonds. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Toss in green beans, season with salt and pepper, and cook until heated through.
Swap Mashed Potatoes for Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
Mashed cauliflower has a similar creamy, comforting texture to traditional mashed potatoes but is significantly lower in carbohydrates. It’s a great way to enjoy a familiar Thanksgiving side while reducing the overall carbohydrate load of your plate.
Quick recipe:
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- ¼ cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steam or boil cauliflower until fork-tender. Sauté garlic in melted butter, then combine everything with the Greek yogurt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Don’t Let Thanksgiving Stress Steal Your Turkey Day
Between cooking, cleaning, traveling and making sure everyone has a seat at the table, hosting Thanksgiving can feel like a full-time job! Remember, the day is about spending time together, not putting on a picture-perfect production.
- Prepare dishes and ingredients ahead of time.
- Let family members bring a side dish or lend a helping hand.
- Give yourself permission to take a break.
- Don’t sweat the little things. A burnt roll or lopsided pie won’t ruin Thanksgiving!
Keep the Thanksgiving Guests, Not the Germs
Thanksgiving is all about bringing people together, but unfortunately, it can bring a few unwanted guests along for the ride: cold and flu germs! With everyone sharing meals, gathering indoors and catching up, it’s a good time to practice a few healthy habits.
- Wash your hands before cooking, serving and eating.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces.
- Avoid preparing food for others if you’re feeling under the weather.
A Little Gratitude, A Little Balance
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be about making perfect choices or following a strict routine. It’s about enjoying good food, spending time with the people you love, making memories, and being grateful for all you have been blessed with in this world.
So go ahead and enjoy the feast! Just remember that a little movement, some mindful choices and a bit of self-care can help you enjoy the holiday feeling your best.
