Every family does Thanksgiving a little differently, but you’ve probably been to at least one classic turkey dinner that went a little like this: you skipped breakfast and lunch, went back for thirds at dinner, then spent the rest of the evening on the couch riding out a turkey-and-stuffing hangover.
There’s nothing wrong with indulging a little at the most famous meal of the year (we know we’ll be hitting the dessert table for a slice of pumpkin pie), but it’s no secret that Thanksgiving isn’t exactly the healthiest meal of the year. But whether you’re doling out your own portions or are at the mercy of Aunt Alice who piled your plate high with “a little bit of everything,” there are ways to start the holiday season on a healthier note.
Here are just some ways to have a healthier Thanksgiving this year – and some tips for healthy eating all year long!
Don’t Skip Breakfast
Many people skip at least one meal on Thanksgiving day to “save the calories” for later, but that plan usually backfires. First of all, skipping meals means that you’re more likely to overeat later on in the day. Second, studies have shown that skipping meals actually decreases your metabolism. And third, you’ll be hangry, which means those pesky questions about your love life are going to get on your nerves even more.
Go Ahead and Splurge (On Your Favorite Foods)
The key to a more satisfying (and potentially healthier) Thanksgiving dinner is to eat foods that you actually like, not fill up on foods you don’t just because they’re there. If stuffing’s your thing, have another scoop instead of trying the runny mashed potatoes. Not a huge fan of green bean casserole? Your grandma will understand if you reach for the roasted butternut squash instead.
Rethink How You Get Your Flavor Fix
This one’s for the home cooks out there. If you’re the one in the kitchen, you have the creative freedom to reimagine traditional Turkey Day recipes that have all the flavors you want and none of the ingredients you don’t. If you love cranberries – but don’t love all the added sugar that’s in cranberry sauce – you can still get the same sweet-tart flavor by adding cranberries to braised greens like kale or swiss chard. If sweet potatoes have to be on your plate for it to feel like Thanksgiving, swap the marshmallows for a drizzle of maple syrup.
Ready to reap the health benefits of eating more greens (and reds, oranges, and blues) this holiday season? From supercharged smoothies and juices to organic snacks and salads, our menu has an option to satisfy every craving the healthy way. Join us at The Juice Hive Mon-Sat (8 am-4 pm) and Sun (9 am-2 pm)!
