It is almost that time of year again where you have to prepare your body for the big Thanksgiving feast! Though this holiday is known for family gatherings and joyous celebrations, it is also a time for over-indulging. It is important to enjoy yourself on Thanksgiving, but remember that it is crucial to remember the long-term goals you set for yourself. Prepare for the big feast now by getting your body and mind ready for what’s to come! 

Obtaining your personal healthy does not mean you sacrifice holiday dinners. Actually, it means the exact opposite! Reaching your health goals is not only a physical journey, but a mental one as well. Restrictive eating will only make your goals harder to obtain as you will gain the urge to binge. It is fine to treat yourself to foods you normally do not consume, and feeling guilt over what is on your dinner plate will only discourage you in the future. The key to preparing your body for the big Thanksgiving feast is through moderation. Have a single serving of your favorite foods instead of stuffing your plate to the brim with unhealthy desires. You will feel proud of yourself for maintaining control of your life while still having a taste of your favorite holiday treats.

Need help with moderation this fall? Click here to learn the importance of eating that pumpkin pie, but just a taste.

Besides maintaining a positive mindset as you head into Thanksgiving, how else are you supposed to prepare for the big feast? Here are a few ways you can physically get yourself ready for Thanksgiving!

Easy ways to prepare your body for the big thanksgiving feast

1. Participate in your local Turkey Trot

The holidays are a very stressful time of the year and physical activity is one of the best ways to relieve yourself of those stresses. Before you start cooking Thanksgiving dinner start your day with a good workout by participating in your local Turkey Trot. There is a wide variety of races available to walk/run in. It is a great way to spend time with your family before the big feast later that day!

2. Eat mindfully leading up to the holiday

Though I do not promote restrictive eating, I do address the fact that many people feel guilty because of how much they ate at Thanksgiving dinner. Eating a little healthier the weeks leading up to the holiday will not only boost your confidence, but make your meal more enjoyable. Continue to intuitively eat, but choose to eat healthier food alternatives when made available.

3. Eat breakfast

Growing up, my brothers and I would skip breakfast on Thanksgiving so we could fit more into our stomach during dinner. We would overindulge during the Thanksgiving meal, which always resulted in us feeling bloated and sick to our stomachs. Make sure to eat a healthy breakfast on Thanksgiving. Not only will it prepare you for the day ahead and boost your metabolism, but also prevent you from over-stuffing yourself on Thanksgiving. 

Need more help towards reaching your goals and becoming your best self? Don’t worry. Give us a call and follow our Facebook page. We’ll make an appointment to talk via Zoom or by phone. Together, we’ll find a way to make your day a little healthier and happier.

Call 301-869-1787 or click here to set up an appointment as my free gift to you.

To your Joy and Health,

Kay Loughrey, MPH, RDN, LDN

This blog post was written by Bailee Richman, Dietetics Student from the University of Maryland