1. Exercise!
Staying active is one of the best ways to keep yourself feeling healthy and energized. Listed below are some fun ways to stay active during the Thanksgiving holiday:
- Take your family on a nature walk or local hike. Being together in the outdoors, breathing in the fresh air and admiring the fall colors will not only get everyone moving, but it will help alleviate any stress or tension.
- Sign up for a Turkey Trot! Most cities and even small towns host Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots. Races range from 1k to 10k, so it great for all ages and fitness levels.
- Set up outdoor activities. You don’t have to travel far to get exercise. Setting up cornhole, spikeball, or other yard games is not only a great way to bond with family and friends, but it gets everyone moving too. If you have a larger yard, you could also host a friendly game of flag football, soccer, tag or any other family favorite game.
2. Be Mindful of Your Stress Levels
Listed below are all the best tips from Psych Central, Motherly, and Guide Posts to help you achieve a low-stress Thanksgiving!
- This Thanksgiving, try focusing on feeling gratitude instead of putting pressure on yourself to make everything perfect. This will help you feel happy and positive, while also lowering your stress levels.
- Before any family arrives, make a mental list on what can trigger your stress and have a plan to avoid those situations or conversations.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Save your favorite tasks or dishes for yourself, and delegate the rest to friends and/or family members. This gives you more time to socialize and helps prevent you from feeling isolated or exhausted.
- Stay as active as possible! Exercise is one of the best stress relievers, so schedule in time for a workout or try the family activities we mentioned above!
- Take mental breaks throughout the day. Whether it is starting slow and enjoying your morning coffee in peace or using a task like washing the dishes to reflect on your day, whatever helps you relax and become more aware of the little moments of happiness.
3. Have a Healthy Thanksgiving Meal
While Thanksgiving dinner has evolved over the years, the traditional elements are actually quite healthy; lean protein, whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Keep reading for simple tips on how to make your Thanksgiving dinner healthier this year!
- Turkey is a great source of lean protein, but instead of using salt, try seasoning it with rosemary, oregano and parsley.
- Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a lighter, less starchy side. We recommend trying this mashed cauliflower recipe, it is delicious!
- Exchange white bread for 100% whole-wheat bread and substitute the butter for olive oil in your stuffing recipe. ( 1Tbsp of butter equals 2tsp of olive oil!)
- Candied yams are often a crowd favorite, but are packed with unnecessary sugars from the marshmallows and gingersnaps. Instead, use fresh yams, ground ginger and cinnamon for a healthy and satisfying twist.
- Did you know that canned cranberry sauce has more sugar than most candy bars? Try out this healthy, naturally sweet cranberry sauce recipe!
- Incorporate fall superfoods, such as Brussels sprouts, pumpkins, squash, and so much more! Bake or sauté these nutrient packed vegetables with garlic, olive oil and herbs for delicious and healthy side dishes.
- When it comes to dessert, let fall fruits like, pomegranate, apples, pears, grapefruit and dates, inspire you! These in season are loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, and are a great base for healthy desserts.
