Strategies for a Happy, Healthy Thanksgiving

How you eat on Thanksgiving Day does not determine your health; how you eat the other 364 days of the years does. Here are 8 tips for making this special day healthier, plus 4 tips for getting right back on track.

1. Eat Breakfast.  A healthy Thanksgiving starts with a healthy, protein-rich breakfast.  Saving up calories for the big meal rarely works.
2. Pitch In.  Call your host and ask what you can bring.  If you discover that one of the dishes is particularly unhealthy, offer to bring your own version.
3. Know Yourself.  For most of us, there’s a certain part of the meal that gives us the most trouble. For some, it’s alcohol. For others, it may be dessert.  Create a strategy. For alcohol, tell yourself, “I’ll enjoy a half glass of wine with appetizers, and a half glass with dinner,” or decide to stick with mineral water at first, saving your alcohol for the main meal.  Or, if you have a tough time putting on the brakes once you get started, don’t start. Steer clear of the bar – and relish everything else the day has to offer – good conversation, good food, good memories. If you have a sweet tooth, plan for it. If a taste of chocolate satisfies you, take it. Enjoy it.  Put the mindful eating skills you’ve learned with Cōpare into practice. Eat slowly.  Savor every bite.
4. Keep Your Goals in Mind.  Don’t put yourself right in front of the candy dish.  Plant yourself elsewhere, facing other pleasures – a nice fire, warm smiles, or good tunes.  You’ll have a much better time, and you’ll like yourself a lot more come morning.
5.  Divide Your Plate Well.  Fill your plate half with vegetables and one quarter with white turkey meat.
6.  Savor Every Bite.  Eat slowly, putting your fork down between bites, and really savor each mouthful. It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy your holiday meal without going overboard on calories.
7. “No Thank You.”  People often think that if they say “no” to certain dishes, everyone notices.  There’s a very good chance no one notices. Just play it down. Simply say, “No thanks, I’m full.”
8. Start Thanksgiving with Physical Activity – And Stay Active.  Take a walk early in the day. And after dinner, suggest everyone go out (if the weather permits) for a neighborhood stroll. What a wonderful way for families to enjoy the holiday together.

Another tip: Plan some outdoor fun before dinner.  Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself of your ultimate vision – a leaner you, a healthier you, a happier you. Then, tell yourself, “It’s going to be a great evening with family and friends!”

Tips to Get Right Back on Track!

1. Get right back on track.  Don’t let a Turkey Day binge turn into an “I blew it” binge that lasts till January 1st.  Make sure that you’re returning to a home well stocked with healthy foods for the day after Thanksgiving.  Lots of fresh vegetables and salad fixings.
2. Make healthy use of leftovers. Top your salad, for example, with strips of roasted, skinless turkey breast.
3. Keep moving. Stay off the couch. Make specific plans to get active.
4. Stop with the guilt.  No good comes from beating yourself up.  Focus on the present and praise yourself for laying the groundwork with a post-Thanksgiving plan. Be proud that you’re conscious of your eating and exercise behaviors, and your efforts to improve them.