Enjoy Your Thanksgiving Meal without the Guilt

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Most people look forward to the yummy foods around the Thanksgiving Holiday, but are often overwhelmed with feelings of guilt about what they ate the next day. To overcome this guilt, some experts recommend relishing the day and getting back on track on Friday. Other experts encourage individuals to enjoy all of the food, in small amounts. Whatever approach you decide to take, here are some simple suggestions you can try to achieve a healthy eating outlook on Thanksgiving.

Enjoying your Thanksgiving Meal without Calorie-Counting Guilt
  1. Get out and exercise the morning of Thanksgiving day and after your Thanksgiving meal. One effective and easy way to do this is going for a brisk walk with some family members. You could also consider participating in one of the local 5K Turkey Trot Races. Most, if not all, events such as these are family oriented and are a great way to get moving with those you love!
  2. Enjoy the foods you love in small portions. Peruse your food options before loading up your plate and then decide which foods you truly will enjoy.
  3. Plan other activities during the day so your focus isn't solely on food. Expressing gratitude to others in need is a wonderful consideration. You could visit a hospital or volunteer at a senior center or a veteran's home. You can make a big difference to one family in need this Holiday season by providing a Thanksgiving dinner for a family in need through your church or an outreach organization in your community. Your children can participate by helping you make the shopping list and going grocery shopping with you. You can donate a turkey to your local women's shelter or take some time to volunteer to serve food at a homeless shelter. Extend an invitation to your home for dinner to someone you know will be alone this year. This act will make them feel loved and give them a sense of belonging.
  4. Consider reprogramming the way you think about food before Thanksgiving day. Practice thinking about the food as you eat, give thanks for it, chew slowly and really taste each bite. When you begin to savor food this way, you will feel full and satisfied after eating less food. 
  5. If you are preparing the Thanksgiving meal or bringing a dish, be sure to make a few things that go along with your nutritional needs.
  6. Upon completion of the meal, be sure to pack leftovers to send home with guests. Wrap and seal them in parceled portions for all the guest to take home as well as keeping some for you and your family.
  7. Thanksgiving is a time for giving back to others and thanking them for all of the good they have brought to your life. You can begin a new tradition by sitting around the table just before the meal is served and having everyone express one thing they are grateful for over the past year. This is especially helpful in teaching gratitude to children. 

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