Happy November! Thanksgiving is just around the corner and whether you are on your weight-loss journey now or looking for some changes that you can make – let’s talk about how to make your Thanksgiving healthier.
Nutrition
Nutrition is ALWAYS number one! Your body needs proper nutrition for it to function. It’s as simple as that – your organs can’t do their job if you don’t provide them with what they need. You can’t put water in your gas tank and expect your car to run efficiently.
Try to incorporate healthier substitutes when you are preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Avoid highly processed and refined sugars by using natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup instead. Avoid cooking in toxic fats, like vegetable oil and canola oil. Try using olive oil, grass-fed butter, or our favorite – coconut oil.
Are you in charge of the turkey this year? Look for a pasture-raised, organic turkey. Remember, you are what you eat. You want that turkey you eat on Thanksgiving to be just as healthy as you want to be!
Don’t forget about portions during the holidays! Most people can easily gain 10 pounds during the holiday season. An easy way to determine how many calories you can consume to maintain your current weight is to use a Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) calculator . If you consume the number of BMR calories, you will maintain your current weight. If you consume over BMR calories, you gain and below BMR will cause you to lose weight. So, enjoy your holiday dinner, but always keep those portion sizes in mind!
Water
Keep yourself hydrated! You need water to properly digest your Thanksgiving dinner and to support ALL body systems. You are ~60% water, so don’t forget it during your holiday season. If you plan on having some alcohol with dinner, be sure to include some extra water as alcohol will dehydrate you.
Plan Ahead
What happens if you aren’t hosting dinner and you aren’t sure what nutritional options will be available? Easy!!! You can plan ahead. You can bring something to dinner that is more suitable for your health. You can eat your healthy meal before attending Thanksgiving dinner. You can decide what goes into your own body.
Keep Moving
Yes, Thanksgiving is a time for some rest and relaxation, but that doesn’t mean you have to park yourself on the couch for the entire day! Incorporate some movement into your holiday. You don’t have to run a Turkey Trot 5K, but you can go for a 10 minute walk. Go outside and play with your kids or grandkids. Try some light stretching in the morning and before bed. Movement is important for digestion, stress reduction, improved immunity, improved sleep, and keeps you strong and flexible.
Focus on Family and Friends
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be about food, it can be about our community. Our family and friends can bring us so much joy – that doesn’t have to be the job of food. Make a conscious effort to enjoy your community, be THANKFUL for who and what you have around you. Guess what – this helps us digest, produce happy hormones, and all around feel good!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Pay only $30 for your first consult
Pay just $30 for a complete weight loss consultation with the doctor, which includes an Initial Assessment and an In-Depth Body Composition Scan. If you’re looking to lose weight and keep it off the right way, click the button below!