(Carrick Pharmacy News) Thanksgiving is a great time to be with friends and family, but it’s also a time when it’s easy to eat too many unhealthy foods.
This can be particularly challenging if you’re trying to maintain a healthy diet, lose weight or boost your heart health. The good news is that there are ways to make your Thanksgiving holiday both healthy and enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you maintain your dietary goals this Thanksgiving:
1. Keep it simple.
When possible, keep your dinner plate simple — don’t add the extras when you don’t have to. Dressings, gravy and other extras can mean lots of extra calories. But a lot of the Thanksgiving dinner basics actually aren’t that caloric. Turkey provides lean protein, and all the delicious veggie sides, when prepared in a simple manner, can provide a vitamin-packed punch without too many fats or simple carbohydrates.
2. Focus on fiber.
On top of helping with digestion, fiber helps you feel full. To avoid overeating this Thanksgiving, focus on foods that are rich in fiber. Some high-fiber foods you might see around the Thanksgiving table include sweet potatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, beans and nuts.
3. Try to balance your plate with vegetables and protein.
Stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie are Thanksgiving staples, but they’re loaded with calories and carbohydrates. And too many calories can promote weight gain. Instead of loading up on dishes high in carbs, add some green vegetables (think broccoli) and protein (think turkey) to your plate. Protein helps curb hunger because it makes you feel full for much longer than carbohydrates.
4. Remain physically active.
Think of ways you can stay active this Thanksgiving break. Go for a walk with your family. A little exercise will burn calories and help keep you fit — and it can be a fun way to spend an afternoon with your family.
