A Healthy Thanksgiving: 7 Ways to Make Your Holiday Wholesome

Thanksgiving is a cherished time of year, filled with family, friends, and delicious food. While it’s easy to get caught up in the indulgence of the holiday, there are simple ways to enjoy the feast while keeping it healthy and wholesome.

Here are seven tips to make this Thanksgiving your healthiest yet—mind, body, and spirit.

1. Prioritize Gratitude and Connection
Thanksgiving is about more than food—it’s a time to focus on gratitude and deepen connections with loved ones. Instead of centering conversations around what’s on your plate, celebrate the people at your table. Express appreciation, share stories, and be fully present in the moment. This shift in focus not only uplifts your spirit but also sets a positive tone for the entire gathering.

2. Start Your Day with a Morning Fast
Consider beginning Thanksgiving morning with an intermittent fast. Skip solid foods and hydrate with water, herbal teas, or even a light coffee infused with healthy fats like coconut oil. Fasting gives your digestive system a break and primes your body to handle the indulgent meal ahead by boosting fat-burning hormones and energy levels.

3. Make Veggies the Star of Your Plate
Before diving into turkey and stuffing, load your plate with nutrient-rich vegetables. Starting your meal with greens, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad helps fill you up with fiber and vitamins, leaving less room for less healthy options. Bring your own veggie-forward dish, like a green bean almondine with grass-fed butter, to ensure wholesome options are available.

4. Embrace Mindful Food Combining
Optimizing digestion during Thanksgiving can reduce bloating and discomfort. Space your portions throughout the day and pair foods thoughtfully:
- Proteins + Non-Starchy Veggies: Think turkey and green beans.
- Starches + Non-Starchy Veggies: Pair sweet potatoes with roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Fruits Alone: Save fruit for a snack or a light dessert.

This simple strategy supports smoother digestion and keeps you energized.

5. Use Digestive Helpers
Support your body’s natural processes by incorporating digestive aids:
- Digestive Enzymes: Take an enzyme supplement before the big meal to enhance digestion and reduce bloating.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Add a splash of ACV to your water or use it as part of a salad dressing to balance blood sugar and improve nutrient absorption.

6. Go Easy on Starches and Sweets
Traditional dishes like mashed potatoes and pies can be heavy on starches and sugars, which contribute to post-meal sluggishness. Opt for alternatives like cauliflower mash, which offers the same creamy comfort with fewer carbs. Satisfy your sweet tooth with naturally sweetened desserts or baked apples sprinkled with cinnamon.

7. Move and Play
Balance your indulgences with movement. Start the day with a high-intensity workout or a family walk to boost your metabolism. After dinner, gather everyone for a backyard football game or a stroll around the neighborhood. Movement not only burns calories but also creates joyful memories.

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Closing Thought: Be Grateful

This Thanksgiving, embrace these tips to nourish your body, cherish your loved ones, and make the holiday as wholesome as it is heartwarming. Cheers to a healthy and fulfilling Thanksgiving!


Source: www.drjockers.com