Thanksgiving is a time of indulgence, and it is okay to let yourself enjoy some heavier foods and larger portions than you might normally have. However, you may be hesitant to enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner if you’ve been maintaining leaner eating habits or trying to lose weight. Especially if you are traveling to visit family during Thanksgiving, you may find that it’s hard to stay on track with healthy habits during the holiday weekend. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the holiday without overdoing it.
Keep yourself moving.
While you don’t need to “earn” any of your Thanksgiving calories through physical activity, it is still helpful to get some exercise before and after Thanksgiving dinner, so that it’s easier to get back to your normal routine once you return home. Take a walk, do body weight exercises, or get a family football game going in the backyard.
Avoid criticizing.
It can be easier to eat healthier and keep moving when those around you are motivated to do the same. However, you may find that your family members are set in their ways and don’t want to lighten the menu or head out for a pre-dinner walk—and that’s okay. Avoid the urge to judge or criticize others for their eating and fitness habits, and it will be easier to ask them to offer the same grace towards you.
Practice saying no.
Visiting family may mean having desserts, drinks, and other foods offered to you almost relentlessly. Remember that it is okay to say no. Be polite but firm. Eventually saying no will get easier. And if you do want to indulge, don’t feel like you can’t. One piece of pie won’t completely derail your progress.
Bulk up on veggies and protein.
With temptations all around during the holidays, it’s easy to give into cravings. However, if you stay full with satisfying foods like high-fiber veggies, fruits, and whole grains, along with plenty of protein, it’s easier to manage your cravings and stick to smaller portions of heavier foods that may not be so friendly to your waistline.
When you’re traveling for the holidays, healthcare is never out of reach with Walmart Health Virtual Care. Consult a medical provider anytime, anywhere through our convenient telehealth platform.
