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4 Ways to Stay Healthy on Thanksgiving

Sarah Pelc Graca

YIKES!!! That is a TON of calories to consume within the span of 24 hours!

Even though Thanksgiving revolves around eating, there are ways to navigate your day so that you still ENJOY your favorite foods without going overboard! Check out my 4 best tips on how to stay healthy (yet still ENJOY) your Thanksgiving!

  1. Eat Breakfast. It may sound counterintuitive, but eating breakfast can help prevent you from snacking all day. “Saving up” for the big meal rarely works because you end up becoming SO hungry throughout the day, that you overeat before the main meal is even served.

  2. Pitch in and Bring Something Healthy! What makes Thanksgiving amazing is the number of options to choose from! Most Thanksgiving options are high in fats and carbs (ahem stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy). Be SURE there is a healthy choice at dinner or as an appetizer by bringing along a veggie tray or veggies as a side dish.

  3. Fill HALF of your dinner plate with veggies and protein. If you’ve been following me for awhile, you know that I’m a believer in ENJOYING your favorite foods and drinks on special occasions. And for most of us, Thanksgiving is a special occasion! That doesn’t mean you can eat 5 servings of stuffing and expect to lose weight. Set yourself up for success by filling at least HALF of your plate with veggies & turkey, and allowing yourself to indulge in smaller portions of your favorite, heavier foods.

  4. Pay attention to your hunger and fullness levels! This one is harder than it sounds, but really try to eat ONLY when you feel hungry on Thanksgiving. Often times, this day turns into a “grazing day” when food is available to eat all day. Instead of mindlessly eating everything that is offered to you, focus on eating ONLY when you feel hungry. When you feel full, politely pass on food or take some home as leftovers!

Thanksgiving is a tricky holiday to stay on track, but it’s possible with a little planning and knowledge. Most importantly, when it comes to appetizer and overall food choices, decide what you are COMMITTING to do, and what you’re NOT willing to do before Thanksgiving arrives!

Do you have any other tips that help you stay healthy on Thanksgiving? Share them in the comments below!