Your Holiday Survival Guide to a Healthier Thanksgiving!

Written By Guest User

Cooperative created 2025

How to Enjoy Thanksgiving Without Regrets

By: Bonnie Pace, MS, CNS, LDN - Awaken Wellness Staff nutritionist

The holidays are coming, and with them, those magical moments around the table with family and friends. We all look forward to traditional dishes that only appear once a year: your aunt's famous mac and cheese, grandma's pie, and all those comfort foods that make Thanksgiving special.

Then comes that moment: you're on the couch, uncomfortably full, questioning your life choices. You're already dreading becoming part of that statistic, the average 5-7 pound weight gain between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Let's write a different story this year. You can enjoy your holiday favorites AND feel great afterward. Here's your practical guide to staying in control while still savoring every moment:

Your Thanksgiving Success Strategy

The Mindful Approach:

Having a plan doesn't mean restriction, it means enjoying your food choices consciously and without regret. Yes, you can have that mac and cheese! The key is strategy, NOT deprivation.

The Perfect Plate Formula:  

Picture your plate divided into thirds:

⅓ Colorful, fiber rich vegetables (like string beans without the creamy soup and fried onions)

⅓ Protein (turkey: opt for white meat for less fat and cholesterol, or your family's traditional main dish. If ham (a processed meat) is served, enjoy it in smaller portions)

⅓ Your favorite holiday sides (potatoes, rice, or other starchy carbs; this is where aunt's mac and cheese fits in!)

Your Success Tips

1. The Pause Principle: Eat slowly, and take a moment before seconds. You might find you're satisfied with just the right amount.

2. The Hydration Hack: Water isn't just for athletes! Staying hydrated helps you distinguish between true hunger and holiday excitement.

3. The Control Switch: Bringing a dish? This is your power move! Consider:

Appetizer: A vibrant veggie tray with low-fat dip

Dessert: Fresh berries on angel food cake with real homemade whipped cream

Side dish: Our lighter sweet potato recipe (GET IT HERE!)

4. The Movement Mission: Whether it's a Turkey Trot, family football game, or a peaceful neighborhood walk, adding movement makes everything better.

Remember: Thanksgiving is about gratitude and joy, not restriction and regret. Use these strategies to create a holiday experience that feels as good as it tastes.

Guest User