7 Ways To Have A Healthy Thanksgiving
Heading into the holidays in the middle of COVID may be different than we were hoping for or expecting, but there are still ways we can celebrate and make the most of this holiday!
Shift Your Focus
I don’t need to tell you that this year looks a lot different from holiday celebrations in the past, but instead of focusing on what you can’t do, focus on what you can and the good things around you.
Make healthy substitutes
It’s probably wise to lay off the butter (unless it fits in your one thing category, see below) and there are a ton of healthier substitutes you can make. Instead of butter and salt, Olive oil and herbs are good choices, add fruit as garnishes, add some lean protein and include a lot of vegetables. And put the sauces on the side!
Pick One Thing
On that note, if mashed potatoes or traditional stuffing is the thing you crave as your Thanksgiving must-have, go all in! I don’t think we should deprive ourselves of our favorites at all. Just make healthy swaps throughout. Add a soup or salad, lots of vegetables and then pick your think or two that you absolutely love.
Have a Tradition
Certain foods and specialties always remind me of Thanksgiving. The classic example is pumpkin pie. And my mom used to make the most amazing rolls on Thanksgiving. Now that I have a family of my own and they are starting to eat more than just chicken nuggets, I have plans to start introducing them to a few special treats and rituals.
Move Your Body
Pre-COVID, I know a lot of gyms and exercise studios would have their pre-Thanksgiving workout scheduled for the morning. We can still do that, just take it outside or in your home gym! Going for a short walk or doing some stretching or a yoga sequence will not only make you feel better, but will set the tone for a healthy, happy day.
Practice Gratitude
What would Thanksgiving be without gratitude? Taking a moment to really understand this concept, feel the effects of this year and see how far we’ve really come as individuals and the collective. The things I’m most grateful for this year? My amazing friends, colleagues and family members who are on the front-lines in healthcare, my family, and the growth that we’ve all had this year.
Connect with Others
Missing my family members a lot this year, but I have plans to Facetime with everyone. Yes, it’s not the same as being physically present, but talking to them will still be nice. And if you are hosting a small gathering, you can get creative! Decorate the masks for the children with turkeys or pumpkins, if possible eat outside, and have the hostess or another designated person be the person to plate everyone’s meal (instead of buffet style).