It’s that time of year again…holiday season. It’s a time for celebrating, reconnecting with family and of course, eating lots of delicious food! Often, all the temptations of sugary, rich foods pose a challenge for those trying to stay healthy. This Thanksgiving, there is no need to fret; you can still be healthy and enjoy yourself. Here are a few tips that won’t leave you feeling deprived.
1. Taste Everything
Instead of completely avoiding some of your favorites, work on portion control. Fill your plate with vegetables, whole grains and lean turkey. When the rest of the dishes are passed, have a spoonful of one or two you really want. This way, you won’t feel deprived and controlling portions will help you avoid overeating.
2. Be Mindful
Thanksgiving marks the start of the festive season which can often lead to an entire season of over consuming. Don’t throw away all of your hard work. Make a mental commitment to make the best choices and let yourself indulge a bit. Stress will only lead to overeating, poor choice of food, and grumpy spirits.
3. If You’re Not Hosting, Offer to Bring a Dish
It’s a great way to make sure there is a healthy alternative that not only tastes great but will satisfy your guests too! Check out our pinterest page - it’s full of delicious, whole, food recipes.
4. Hydrate
Being dehydrated is often mistaken for hunger. Be sure to pay special attention to drinking as much water as possible leading up to the holiday. Start your day with a tall glass of water and try to drink at least one glass every hour.
5. Chew Your Food
When eating a big meal, we want to make sure that we’re allowing our bodies adequate time to digest. Not only will it give you a chance to enjoy your food, you'll end up eating less while feeling more satisfied-without the guilt of overdoing it!
6. Connect With Loved Ones
Focus your energy on connecting with family and friends rather than focusing on the food. Share stories, get out a board game or watch your favorite holiday movie. In my family, we go around the table and share what we are most grateful for this year.
7. Get Moving
Start the day with a long walk or hike. Even better, sign up for a family turkey trot in your area. Its a great way to give back while burning some serious calories!
This article was originally published on www.drfranklipman.com. Read the original here.
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