It can be extremely difficult to stay healthy on a day that is all about giving. As a society, we tend to think that giving and receiving food is a sign of comfort and joy, especially this week. Many of us may feel confident in our plans before Thanksgiving, but then we fall apart when we sit down to the big meal and try to navigate the next few days. Though gaining seems to be the usual result of Thanksgiving week, maintaining and even losing is still possible. Here are some tips to help you have a healthier Thanksgiving.  
 
Go for the good stuff. We may look forward to pies and gravy and mashed potatoes, but you will also find several healthy options as well. Turkey, sweet potatoes and vegetable will no doubt be part of your Thanksgiving table and can be enjoyed to the fullest. If you are trying to stay on plan, be aware of gravy, sauce, butter and other extra ingredients that make these foods heavy and fattening. You can always cook or bring your own healthy dishes to make sure you have options. Look for recipes featuring kale, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, green beans, pumpkin, cauliflower, asparagus, apples, carrots and so much more. This Kale and Butternut Squash Stuffing is a great example (and vegetarian!) of a healthier alternative to a Thanksgiving tradition:
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• 3 tablespoons of oil (divided)
• 1 small butternut squash (cubed)
• 3 small leeks (sliced)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of pepper
• 1 bunch of kale
• 1 loaf of whole-wheat bread (cubed)
• 2 egg whites
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Preheat oven to 350. Grease two small or one large casserole dish with cooking spray. In a large pot, warm 1 tbsp of oil then add squash, leeks, salt, and pepper. Cook until leeks are soft, stirring occasionally. Add kale, cover and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Add bread and 2 more tablespoons of oil and toss. Whisk the egg whites and broth together in a separate bowl then add to pan. Toss the mixture until everything is absorbed. Add stuffing to casserole dishes and bake for 40 minutes or until lightly browned. 1/2 cup = 1 serving. You can find more recipes on our other blog post here.  

Skip the leftovers. If you are hosting Thanksgiving, give away all of your leftovers. You can even dress it up and try making these Thanksgiving Leftover Jars (picture below). They are a fun way to dish out leftovers and skip the old tupperware. Your guests will love having a Thanksgiving meal in a jar, and you won’t be tempted to extend Thanksgiving for three more days if you don’t want to. If you are attending Thanksgiving in someone else’s home, try and avoid taking any food home unless it is part of your plan for the week. If it is in your home and easily accessible you are very likely to nibble. But many of us will be taking home leftovers for our families, so be prepared to stay strong or consume responsibly.

Move around. Get your body moving any way you can even it it’s just walking around the house after dinner. It will make you feel better and help you digest. You don’t have to start a heavy exercise regime, after all you can’t out exercise bad eating habits, but even just walking around the neighborhood, mall or museum will help your body bounce back. 

Get back on track. Whether you plan to get back on your weight loss path the day after Thanksgiving or a little later, make sure you follow through. One week of eating off your plan won’t ruin all your progress, but it will take time to get back on track. Don’t dig yourself in deeper by continuing Thanksgiving-style eating until Hanukkah, Christmas and the New Year. 

What happens this week us up to you. You have options and choices to make. Make sure you make each decision for yourself and don’t let them get made for you. 

~Love to Live Healthy with Josephine Fitzpatrick

Innovation Weight Loss and Fitness

8031 Jericho Tpke Woodbury, NY 11797

469 7th Ave Manhattan, NY 10018