Thanksgiving will be here soon, so it’s a great time to start formulating your game plan for the big day. There are some simple steps you can take to keep the day from being an over-the-top indulgence that leaves you feeling guilty for days afterwards.
Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:
- Skip the liquid calories and opt for water, coffee, or tea instead. If your day includes the “need” for a glass of wine (relatives can do that sometimes!), limit it to just one and make it last by sipping slowly and enjoying fully.
- Fill up on something healthy before the big meal. Whether you are the one hosting the meal or heading out to someone else’s house, you can take 5 minutes to prep yourself a bowl of healthy soup, a salad, or even an apple and some nuts – anything that will fill you up without weighing you down. You’ll be less likely to overdo if you’re not ravenous when you sit down at the table.
- Don’t forget portion control! You can have a sampling of all of your favorite dishes as long as you remember the mantra “everything in moderation.”
- Allow yourself one indulgence. Choose ahead of time which one dish you are most looking forward to and plan to enjoy it guilt free. Whether it’s a piece of pumpkin pie or a serving of stuffing with gravy, knowing that you are going to get to enjoy your favorite will help guard against feeling sorry for yourself so that you are less likely to binge.
- Prepare at least one healthy dish (to serve or to bring with to the hosts’ home) that you’ll be able to eat freely. Check out some of the recipes below for inspiration.
Healthier Thanksgiving Recipes
Fall Salad with Balsamic Dijon Vinaigrette from The Corner Kitchen Blog
Creamy Sweet Potato Soup from Greatist
Pumpkin Cheddar Muffins from Katie at the Kitchen Door
Mashed Cauliflower from Delish
Stuffed Whole Butternut Squash from Oprah
Superfood Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon from Food, Faith and Fitness
Shaved Carrot and Radish Salad with Herbs and Pumpkin Seeds from Epicurious
Paleo Sweet Potato Slow Cooker Casserole from Food, Faith and Fitness
Roasted Beet and Carrot Salad from Martha Stewart
Pumpkin Chocolate Cream Cake from Eating Well
Quinoa Apple Cake from Greatist
Pumpkin Pear Crisps from Bon Appetit
Paleo Pumpkin Pie from Ancestral Nutrition
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