Eating Healthily During Your Thanksgiving Holiday
By Donna Stark
Valentine's Day has love, Independence Day has fireworks, and Christmas has sparkling lights, but what does Thanksgiving have? Well, Thanksgiving has that delicious cooked turkey with all the trimmings sitting on the dinner table. So when you travel across the country to celebrate this holiday with loved ones, there is rarely any misunderstanding about what is going to happen. You are going to eat, and you will probably eat a lot, so stay a step ahead of those extra pounds and come up with a healthy eating strategy before you celebrate this holiday.
What Happens on Vacation
Maintaining a healthy eating routine is challenging enough, but it is especially so while you are on the road during the holiday season. For most people, their eating habits are significantly different while traveling than when they are home. Take a look at some of the differences here.
- Different types of food are consumed
- Larger quantities of food are consumed
- Fewer fruits and vegetables are eaten
- Normal mealtimes may be changed
- More alcohol and soda is consumed
- More meals that are high in fat, calories, sugar, and salt are consumed
Healthy Eating During Travels
As you can see, it can be a slippery slope while visiting family and friends, so you need to be mindful of your eating habits. Here are some great suggestions to stay on track with your diet during all the meals with your loved ones.
- Breakfast - Skip the donut and coffee shops and start the day off right by offering to cook breakfast at home because in addition to fueling your body for the day ahead, eating a healthy breakfast can also prevent overeating throughout the day. Just be sure to focus on healthy options such as oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, fresh fruit, whole-grain toast, and lean proteins.
- Lunch and dinners - If you are eating out more than staying in, try to make the wisest choices at all of the restaurants you go to. Most menus will have the "healthier" options marked, but if not, choose the meals that are the closest thing to whole, fresh, and natural. Avoid creamy dressings, heavy sauces, fried foods, sugary beverages, and desserts. And if you can't eat as healthy as you would like, eat the unhealthy items in moderation (you know what those items are).
- Water - You have to stay hydrated wherever you are, so don't forget to pack your water bottle! By carrying water around with you throughout the day, you may be less tempted to stop for a quick soda or fancy coffee while driving from one family member's house to another.
The Bottom Line
No matter how many challenges come up when it is time to sit down for meals on your vacation, you can feel secure with your choices and can enjoy your holiday more if you create a healthy eating plan before you even leave your home.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Parma, Ohio.