Thanksgiving is an indulgent day, but there are ways to eat, drink, and be merry without the guilt of weight gain. Give these nine a try!
- Be active! Organize a game outside, take the family to run the Southern Oregon Runners Turkey Trot in Central Point, or go for a brisk walk with the dog before guests arrive. Just get your heart rate up!
- Eat a nutritious breakfast. Something high in protein that will help you stay fuller longer and complex carbohydrates will be a great way to begin. Think whole grain cereals with nonfat milk or some whole wheat avocado toast that is so trendy.
- Go light when possible. As you cook, use ingredients that can lighten the calorie content without sacrificing flavor. Nonfat half and half, neufchatel cream cheese, turkey sausage, nonfat/low-fat milk for drinking, and low-fat sour cream are some of the products that can help.
- Think about what you drink. Alcohol adds up to more calories in your day. Choose whether it is worth it to drink your calories, then choose water instead of that whiskey sour.
- Slow down! In so many ways, this is good advice on a holiday. Eat slower and be intentional about connecting with those around you. We do not know what tomorrow brings. Savor your meal by enjoying it with your eyes, then taking your time as you chew. This is a day to not inhale your plate. Tell those around you that you love them and leave people feeling better about themselves.
- Lower your expectations about weight loss and diet. If you have been on a diet, this would not be the day to be hard on yourself. Be real: Thanksgiving is not going to be a day of weight loss. One day of breaking the rules will not ruin your life, and it might allow you to enjoy those around you a bit more by not fixating on what you should not eat.
For more tips on staying healthy as well as the nutrition content of many Thanksgiving dishes, check this out:
Thanksgiving Nutrition Tips to Help You Have a Healthy Holiday! (brainmd.com)
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from Paragon Orthopedic Center in Grants Pass!
