During the holiday season, it can be difficult to maintain your healthy living habits and daily routines. Balanced meals get replaced with pumpkin pies and sweets, and workouts at the gym get skipped for last-minute shopping trips to prep for the perfect holiday meal or to find holiday gifts. Before you know it, the holiday season is gone and so are your healthy habits.
It’s understandable to indulge a bit, but be mindful of the small changes you can make to refresh your body during the holiday months. Here, we will specifically cover slight changes that can be made on Thanksgiving to boost your health on this food-consuming holiday.
- Start the day with physical exercise. Head over to your local park with family for a breakfast cookout. Toss around the football or take a hike in the crisp morning air. Not only will you enjoy the fall colors and weather paired with the familiar faces of family, but beginning the day with exercise is a great way to boost your metabolism and burn some calories before enjoying a hearty Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, the exercise will boost your endorphins, making you more alert and awake for the day ahead. Pair this activity with KaraMD’s Revive Reds for an optimal energy boost!
- Experts estimate that the average person consumes thousands of calories during a Thanksgiving meal– yikes! But it doesn’t have to be this way! Dr. Kara suggests filling your Thanksgiving plate with healthier foods, such as veggies and turkey, before piling up the calorie-heavy sides such as stuffing, bread, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes. Filling up your plate with healthier foods first will leave less room for some of the unhealthier sides, ultimately cutting back on your calories.
- If you’re the cook, Dr. Kara suggests swapping out some holiday recipes for healthier alternatives. For a total list of delicious recipes from The Food Network’s list of 38 Thanksgiving recipes! If revamping your entire menu isn’t an option, consider reducing levels of sugar from recipes and replace butter with olive or canola oils. You can even add vegetables to dishes such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese to boost your dishes’ nutritional value.
Like these suggestions? Follow KaraMD on Facebook to stay up-to-date with other blog posts and news! And don’t forget to order your jar of Revive Reds for your morning Turkey Day experience at the park.
References & Disclaimers
✝✝This noted statement is based on independent research and is not necessarily the opinion of the author