Gobble, Gobble! As much as Black Friday has been on my mind, I have not forgotten about the amazing celebration that is Thanksgiving. I am always thankful for the opportunity to eat a delicious meal with my fabulous family, not to mention the ability to sneak in a little nap here and there.

Now, let’s talk about the trickier part of this holiday: how to fight the temptations that appear at every turn. My household has recently made the decision to eat cleaner, which means we’ve tried hard to reduce processed foods and refined sugar. Yet, if ever there was a time to fall off the wagon it’s during a holiday! To combat bad choices, we’ve come up with a few strategies to help us have a thankful and healthy Thanksgiving this year.

A Thanksgiving Run

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That’s right, we are kicking off our day with a Turkey Trot. There is nothing better than getting out and getting the blood pumping before a big meal.

Plus, getting an extra shot of endorphins before hanging out with the whole family is not a bad idea.

No interest in running- no problem! Try a quick stroll through your neighborhood, plan a mini hike with a friend, or practice some yoga in your living room to start your morning.

Want one more option? How about the Scientific 7-Minute Workout? Even when I can’t bear to get outside, I know I can crack out 7 minutes of my day to feel better for the rest of it.

 

 

Healthy Thanksgiving Foods

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Since I am bringing a dish or two to contribute, I can decide what to make. This year, I am planning on trying a Quinoa salad chock full of apples, walnuts, feta, spinach and homemade vinaigrette. I am also skipping the mashed potatoes in lieu of a garlic mashed cauliflower. Both of these dishes are pretty amazing and tend to impress even traditional meat-n-three eaters.

 

 

For desserts there are a number of ways to make baking healthier. Here are a couple of my latest discoveries:

  • use white beans instead of shortening
  • use 2 egg whites for every egg
  • find pie crusts made with coconut oil
  • use applesauce instead of butter, shortening or oil when possible

 

Holiday Discipline

Watch-it

Time for the moment of truth. I can exercise and make healthy meals all day long, but once I am at the table I lose all self control. Not this year. This year I have some rules for myself:

No second helpings
Skip the gravy
Eat all the fruit & veggie dishes before the stuffing and rolls

Plus, I researched the lowest fat and healthier Thanksgiving found I could make a pretty full plate from the following:

White turkey meat
Plain vegetables like roasted sweet potatoes 
Pumpkin pie

 

Thanksgiving is for R&R

And for my last healthy move of the day: nap time. Sleep is relaxing, regenerative and refreshing, right? Not to mention I can’t eat while I’m sleeping. 😉

Enjoy your holiday & feel free to leave any healthy tips I’ve missed in the comments.

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