Are you ready for it? … Thanksgiving is almost here which means family and friends are in town with plenty of food and drinks flowing. Today I am sharing 3 ways to navigate your nutrition on Thanksgiving day along with tactful morning to evening guide to cultivate a day full of good vibes, grateful and enjoyment.
3 ways to ‘prepare’ for Thanksgiving Day?..
- Create a Mantra
Expressing appreciation for the abundance of food cultivate and prepare. Finding a way to keep gratitude as the top priority, by starting the day with a meditation to get grounded and set an intention for the day or a deep breathing exercise or if you journal using this as an opportunity to list out the amazing reasons why you are grateful. Using a mantra can allow you to feel grounded, you can return to your original intention throughout the day by reciting your mantra silently.
2. Prepare Mindfully
Cooking itself can be a bit meditative, it feels that way for me. To make the meal preparation less stressful, be prepared by planning ahead using lists, recipes and give yourself plenty of time. Creating a delicious, nutrition conscious Thanksgiving meal is very possible and enjoyable.
Sure the turkey steals the spotlight but the Thanksgiving sides are in my opinion where it’s at. Staples like cranberries, mushrooms, sweet potatoes & Brussels sprouts are super foods that can be prepared in ways that are super nourishing. Opt for good quality fats when cooking like – olive oil, grape-seed oil and coconut oil. Brighten up the dishes with fresh squeezed lemon juice, vinegar and use plenty of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, savory and sage for added nutrition boost and flavor.
3. Enjoy Each Bite
Eating is one of life’s simple pleasures. Create good vibes around meal time. Switch out the “I’m going to gain so much weight from these mashed potatoes” and replace the commentary with “Wow this meal looks beautiful”, or “I’m so grateful for Cranberry Freeze Cake”. Thanksgiving meal is not going to magically, derail you from your health goals. It’s just not possible, use this experience to practice being flexible with your eating habits and soak up the time you have to spend with the people you love, while you savor every bite.
How to Navigate your Nutrition on Thanksgiving Day…
Begin the Day:
Breakfast. Start the day with a hearty breakfast. Enjoying breakfast will keep your blood sugar steady reducing your chances of being ravenous later on, if you eat a late Thanksgiving dinner that means eat breakfast and lunch please. This Pumpkin Pie Smoothie will get you into the Thanksgiving spirit or opt for a savory spinach herb omelette using the fresh herbs and a slice of avocado toast.
Get your hands dirty. Whip up the stuffing. Showing up with a home cooked dish is always gracious and appreciated. If you are a guest offer to make a vegetable, like roasted cauliflower, purple cabbage or asparagus, so you know you’ll have one veggie cooked to your liking. Hosting? Lucky you! Use your creative-freedom to experiment with recipes- give traditional dishes like whipped sweet potatoes a wholesome twist by using raw pecans, oats, nutmeg and maple syrup. Have fun with cooking.
Before the Meal:
Tap into your Inner Wisdom. Listening to your body’s hunger cues. It’s okay to eat when you’re not hungry and eating past the point of content. The only thing need avoid is judging yourself.
Your body is smart it knows how much you need to eat, when you are hungry or full and what will satisfy your needs. Years and years of neglecting hunger signal’s can really mess with your ability to understand what your body is demanding. Meaning you may have difficulty identifying internal cues from ignoring these signals for so long.
Eat freely. Give yourself unconditional permission to eat the foods you love. Sharing delicious food with family and friends, feels good and food is much more than physical nourishment it is pleasure.
Be grateful. Remember the importance of the day. Be grateful for the food, for the people you are sharing it with and for the blessings in your life.
After the Meal:
Move a little. Help clean up 😉 … really, dish dryers are treasured. Or grab a friend, wrap around a cozy scarf and take a walk outside. Walking is an excellent way to lower blood sugar after a meal, it helps with digestion and the fresh air will energize you.
Share, share, share. Portion out leftovers so that every guest has a take home package. Purchase give away containers in advance.
Continue to be grateful. Let your thoughts be filled with appreciation, speak kindly to yourself and be present.
Hope these tips will help you to navigate your nutrition Thanksgiving day. Have a question or comment? Or want to share a reason why you are grateful today? I would love to hear! Share in the comment section below.
Happy Thanksgiving!
With Gratitude,
Jamie
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