While you kick back and relax after your Thanksgiving meal, your gut will be hard at work! Gut health is critical to your overall health and wellness, and how you treat your gut (like what you put in it) dictates a large part of you feel. The better you treat your gut, the better it will work — and so will the rest of your body. Here are our tips to help you enjoy a gut-healthy holiday.
Create a Colorful Plate
One of the best parts about Thanksgiving is showing gratitude and celebrating all the season has given us. So, in order to celebrate the right way, your plate should be full of seasonal fruits and vegetables! Squash, carrots, pomegranate, and beets are all in season. Make a goal of filling at least half your plate with fruits and veggies and you will be off to a great start.
Pack on Protein
Thanksgiving seems to be eating a lot of food, but one of the healthy
Thanksgiving dinner means there is plenty of lean protein options to go around. Fill up on your protein of choice before you hit the starches and carbohydrates in the buffet line. A good tip to remember is that your serving size for protein should be about the size of your fist.
Fill Your Plate with Food You Love
Just because there are pounds of mac ‘n cheese and mashed potatoes doesn’t mean you have to eat them. Instead of piling your plate high with fillers, go for foods that you really enjoy. Eating something just because it’s there in front of you will only make you miserable later on. If you really have to indulge, just have a small portion so you can get your fix.
Be Aware of How You Feel
As wonderful as it is to spend time with your family, it can also be stressful. Family get-togethers often lead to mindless comments along with mindless eating. Remember to check in with yourself throughout your meal and evaluate how you feel. Are you really hungry or are you just piling on potatoes to pass the time? Take your time and savor your meal to help prevent overeating.
Yikes! I overate!
As much as we want you to enjoy a healthy Thanksgiving, sometimes we still end up overeating. Don’t be too hard on yourself — enjoy a walk after your meal, drink plenty of water, and get some rest. If you’ve been maintaining regular chiropractic adjustments, your body will be functioning optimally, so you’ll be feeling back to yourself in no time! To get a healthy headstart on the holiday season, click here to schedule your next adjustment.