Thanksgiving is the holiday for giving thanks for what we have and spending time with family and friends! It is also known as the holiday often associated with excessive amounts of food including roasted turkey with stuffing, pumpkin pie and more! Everyone knows that a Thanksgiving meal often consists of sugary and carb-loaded goodies and many will consume more in this one meal than they normally do in a whole day. Have you ever noticed how you feel after this extravagant feast? Most feel tired or groggy and maybe so full that they feel sick. Yes, it is fine to endulge on holiday foods, but by making a few healthy changes to your Thanksgiving routine it could mean you’ll feel better and more Thankful in the end!

Here are some helpful healthy Thanksgiving Day tips!

Eat breakfast: Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day. This is especially true on Thanksgiving! Try having a small omelet with veggies, some scrambled eggs or fruit with greek yogurt. The protein will keep you full all morning and keep you from feeling ravenous once dinner is served. By eating something in the morning, you will keep to smaller portions at the banquet table. Breakfast will also give you enough energy to get all the prep and after work done so you can enjoy the time with your loved ones and maybe keep your eyes open for the big game!!!

Get off the couch: No you don’t have to work off every calorie you consumed but keep in mind that the typical Thanksgiving meal consists of about 3,000 calories! You may want to consider some physical activity to avoid any weight gain. Even a short 10 minute walk before and/or after the meal can burn off some of those extra calories as well as boost your energy and confidence levels!

Try some healthy alternatives: We all have our favorite traditional family holiday recipes. You don’t have to change all your dishes to healthier alternatives, but try substituting healthier options in a few side dishes. Try making your own mushroom cream soup for the green bean casserole instead of the processed canned soup version. Or try having mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes this year

However you celebrate, we at Chait Chiropractic Center wish you all a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving! Dr. John, Cindy, Kelly, Jessica and Susan!!!