Thanksgiving Fit-Full Feasting

by Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RDN, LDN, CLT, RYT, Tastemaker in Residence

Holidays are back in action and many of us are ready to roll out the feast day favorites! But let’s take a moment to think of how that break in tradition could be a change in how we approach healthier holidays.  I know there are many things we learned about life, our loved ones, and ourselves over the last year.  One thing I hope that was explored was our need for foundational health.  The kind of health that each one of us can create from movement, nutritious eating, sleep, self-care, and community.  It’s literally the key to better health outcomes from chronic diseases and from viral outbreaks.

So instead of the old pattern of, “Well it’s the holidays so I’m just going to indulge.” How about we set a new mantra focused on health for the holidays and beyond.  How much better will the New Year feel when we don’t have to drag in our old holiday habits that lead to poor health at the start of January.

Here are some straight-up strategies and a recipe for a fit-fully beautiful holiday season:

1. Create a tiny health habit calendar. Each week set small goals that you have a medium to high motivation for. Example #1: I will be active at least 15 minutes after dinner 5 days/week. Example #2: I will not stand next to the kitchen counter or food area at holiday parties

2. Bring your own healthy holiday dish to parties at eat it. Then you are guaranteed to make at least one good choice.

3. Stay active. Put movement on your calendar. Literally block it off and say no to holiday “not really have-to’s” to make it happen. It keeps it as a habit and doesn’t make it seem like a hard mountain to climb once January 2nd hits.

4. Eat a healthy broth base soup (see recipe below) before your go out for holiday activities.

5. Carry healthy real food snacks such as cut up veggies, string cheese, nuts with you on holiday outings. You will make less impulsive junk food and overeating choices.

6. Practice relaxation at least 15 minutes a day. This can be a short yoga flow, meditation, prayer, breath work, conversation with a love one that brings joy, sauna, etc.

7. Don’t buy into the marketing that you “need” to do our buy anything to have a fantastic holiday season (or that you should clean your plate or eat seconds). A fit mind is the best gift you can give yourself. So fill it will what you brings you joy and forget what doesn’t serve you.

Click Planover Holiday Turkey Soup for the recipe!