If there is one day each year when we know we are likely to over-indulge at dinner, it is Thanksgiving. With turkey, squash, potatoes, pumpkin pie, and so much more on the table, it can be hard to control portions and eat in moderation.
Here are five tips to follow for a healthier Thanksgiving!
- 1. One of the best ways to deal with the sluggishness that can come from a big meal is to take a walk after dinner. A recent Mayo Clinic study found that an easy post-meal walk helped reduce glucose levels in people with Type 1 diabetes as well healthy individuals.
- Be social! Take a dinner companion or two on your walk and make it a social affair. Numerous studies have shown that close relationships with other people are important for your health. So grab a favorite relative or friend and enjoy good conversation while you walk.
- Do not expect dietary perfection. It can be hard to lose weight, maintain a weight loss, or simply make healthy eating choices if you are surrounded by sugar-laden treats. Remember that Thanksgiving is simply one day and you do not have to be perfect. Research has found that it can be hard to maintain willpower in the face of constant temptation. Just one successful act of willpower, in fact, can drain the brain’s resources and make it that much harder to avoid temptation a second time. So don’t be too hard on yourself. If you have one too many pieces of apple pie on Thanksgiving, be sure to resume your health eating habits the next day.
- Plan ahead. Since it can be hard to exercise willpower in the face of temptation, plan ahead. Determine ahead of time what you will eat—and enjoy some healthy snacks before meal time so you are not ravenous when you finally sit down to eat. If you can do that you will have one less decision to make about food—and one less instance of needing to rely on willpower to make the right choice.
- Have fun. Thanksgiving is a special day. Nourish yourself with good food, good conversation, and good fun. All three elements will improve your health and well being.
Last note, our center in S. Dennis, Massachusetts will be open Thanksgiving Day from 9am to 2pm, and our center in Warwick, Rhode Island will be open Thanksgiving Day from 9am to 1pm if you have a non-life threatening urgent care need.
Until next week, Stay Well!