It’s actually possible to eat healthy on Thanksgiving, and I’m here with a few tips for How to Eat Healthy on Thanksgiving…
*Make a plate*: Serve yourself on a plate. Don’t just mindlessly snack. If possible, use a smaller plate {not a charger-sized plate}. Seeing everything on your plate helps your brain to register that you are eating a nice meal and can help you feel satisfied.
*Load up with the good stuff* – the good stuff that nourishes your body, that is. Focus on veggies and lean protein first. The best options are white meats without skin and plant based proteins without added sauces or fat. Look for veggies that are roasted, raw, and/or lightly cooked – not fried, smothered, and covered in sauce or dressing. Yes, green bean casserole might be tasty but french fried onion topping and a canned-soup base does not a healthy dish make {or try this green bean casserole I love}.
Some good veggie options: Roasted Thanksgiving Veggies, Sautéed Green Beans, Maple & Orange Winter Salad with Apples, Butternut Squash Soup
Once you’ve filled your plates with the good stuff, pick your favorites…
*Pick your favorites*: Thanksgiving comes around once a year so enjoy your favorites but don’t eat the stuff you don’t care about! Just because it’s there doesn’t mean you must eat it.
Put your favorite dishes on your plate {after you’ve filled it with veggies & protein} and really enjoy what you have. My all-time favorite side dish is dressing so I always eat a nice sized portion, but I’ve never loved sweet potato casserole {unless it’s this streuseled sweet potato casserole}, so I skip it.
*Hold off on seconds*: Give yourself at least 10-15 minutes before you go back for another helping of food. Wait to see if you really want more or if you are just eating because it’s there {which is not a reason to eat}.
Before I go back for seconds, I think am I actually hungry? If my only choice was an apple, would I want to eat it? If the answer is yes, then I get seconds. If my answer is no, then I find something better to do. Or go back for seconds and enjoy them.
*Enjoy it*: Remember to enjoy what you are eating. Don’t feel guilty if you ate more than normal or had an extra pecan pie bar or four.
Eat it. Enjoy it. Move on.
If all else fails, just remember that it’s only one meal. One meal isn’t going to make or break your health {generally speaking}.
When you get to your next meal, make healthy choices {and forget about the less-than-healthy choices you made earlier}. The guilt of a previous meal is not going make you skinny; it’s only going to make you miserable. And being miserable because of food choices is not going to make you feel thankful. Feel thankful that you get to enjoy the time with family and friends eating a nice and satisfying meal, and enjoy!
I hope you can use these to enjoy your Thanksgiving without guilt or too much overindulgence.
I’d love to know what your tips are for keeping the holidays healthy. Feel free to share in the comments below 
Have a happy and wonderful Thanksgiving!!!
