There has to be some balance between being pure and good and having a the time of our lives. This is what is on my mind as I think of Thanksgiving and the indulgences that I know everyone will be taking part in over the next few days. We don't really want to blow our hard work on one meal, but we also don't want to be the one at the party who passes every dish and says "No Thanks" while gnawing on celery all night. So how do we find a balance?
While my family doesn't actually celebrate this Holiday, I have been to many Thanksgiving celebrations over the years, and even I, the girl with the willpower of steel, have gone a little crazy at the dinner table (I bring you Exhibit A: My friend Jonnie's Baked Brie, which I ate almost half of by myself! and Exhibit B: My ex-boyfriend's mom's pumpkin cheesecake, of which I always had seconds whenever she made it). So even though I won't be celebrating in any traditional ways this year, I still have some ideas on how you all can have your cake, eat it and not undo all of your hard workouts:
1) Get some exercise in on the big day
-Yes I know you'll be slaving away in the kitchen for hours or parked on your couch for football all day on Thursday, but you can find some time to squeeze in some calorie burning in the morning before it all begins. Get up a bit early and get in some cardio or other exercise to jump start your day. Go for a brisk walk, ride a bike around your neighborhood with your kids or your dog, go to the gym (some are open on Thanksgiving, mine is!), or do a workout video. If your family is willing to forgo some football, you can even get them involved. Try organizing a family kickball game or do some races around the Neighborhood. You live in FL? Great! It's hot as heck right now, so get your family in the pool for a little while! Whatever you can do to get some exercise before you start cooking or loafing, do it! That way, you can stress and little less all that yummy food you're going to eat.
2) Use better-for-you ingredients in your cooking.
-Trade out the homemade fat-infused gravy for an organic, lower-fat option (Wholefoods and Trader Joes offer great options, both stored and fresh made)
-Use organic and/or dairy-free cream, milk and butter ingredients (Dairy free creams, milks and butters have much less fat, calories and cholesterol than regular dairy products)
-Swapping out ingredients from your recipes to include vegetables and fruits that are in season, organic and locally grown allows you to be certain that they are free of pesticides and additives
3) Graze, don't gobble
-Cut portion sizes when you serve the food by using a smaller spoon and smaller dishes. This way everyone can enjoy a little bit of everything, instead of going overboard on any one thing
4)Remember, the holidays are about family, friends and community, not stuffing your face.
-Center your holiday around activities and spending time with loved ones, friends and helping your community. The food will then be simply an added bonus.
I hope these tips help you get through this fantastic weekend without as much guilt and with much more health and happiness. I'll be enjoying my Thursday at the gym in the morning, at a turkey sanctuary in the afternoon and talking philosophy on my porch at night. That sounds like awesome to me. Spending the day with people I love, doing things I love, and volunteering for one of the most intelligent and loving creatures on the planet.
What are your Thanksgiving plans? :)
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