Have a Happier and Healthier Thanksgiving

We all have a lot of things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, but extra weight is not one of them. While you reflect about what’s most important to you in your life, you’ll probably find good health to be high on your list. It’s easy to overindulge during Thanksgiving, but you can kick of the holiday season with a healthier Thanksgiving by following these tips:

Stay active. Taking a walk or playing football can burn calories and become a new family tradition.

Don’t skip breakfast. A good breakfast can help curb appetite later in the day. People who are not too hungry are less likely to overeat at mealtime.

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Control portions. Avoid going back for seconds and limit portion size.

Choose wisely. Only eat the foods that are unique to Thanksgiving and save ordinary foods for another day. Save some room for side dishes and dessert.

Don’t rush. Eating slowly helps people enjoy their food and realize when they are full.

Limit alcohol. Calories from alcohol add up quickly. Alcohol also triggers cravings for high-calorie comfort foods. It’s also a good idea to drink some water between alcoholic drinks.

Change the focus. Rather than concentrating only on food, remember that Thanksgiving is a holiday about family and friends as well. Find ways to enjoy quality time together, such as playing games or socializing.

Don’t overindulge. Thanksgiving is a special occasion, but try not to continue indulging throughout the entire holiday season.

Be prepared. As holiday shopping kicks into high gear, remember to stock up on healthy snacks, such as trail mix and fruit, and drink plenty of water to avoid resorting to high-calorie fast foods.