I love Thanksgiving. Family coming together around a table filled with amazing things to eat, lingering over dessert and coffee, the anticipation of leftovers. It’s an amazing holiday.
It can also be a bit stressful, and leave you feeling not so great. Here are some strategies for avoiding some of the mistakes I’ve made in previous years, so you can get the most enjoyment from your Thanksgiving!
1. Make ahead. If you’ll be cooking, figure out what you can make in advance, and plan time to do it!
2. Plan easy, healthy meals for before and after. Hummus and veggie sandwiches. Soup from the freezer. A giant, prepared salad from the local grocery store. Slow cooker-meals. What can you make that’s going to be quick and easy with limited clean up during those busy days before and after the big event? The healthier it is, the better – because you want your body nourished and energized before it faces a table filled with six different kinds of pie the next day.
3. Strategize. Think back to previous Thanksgivings. What were the biggest challenges? Do you tend to run late? Maybe you want to shower and blow out your hair the night before, or lay out everyone’s outfits in advance. Does everyone end up staying for dinner but not wanting leftovers? Instead of waiting hours for delivery because there’s only one restaurant open, consider prepping a lasagna and throwing it in the freezer or fridge. Think back on the parts of Thanksgiving that are less than fun, and see if you can figure out a solution.
4. Don’t eat “a little sliver of each”. Yes, I’m talking about the pie. We all do it. It’s way too much. Ask someone for a bite of theirs with a clean fork instead, or just commit to one kind and look forward to having a slice of something else with your leftovers. Even giving yourself a few hours after the meal before you indulge in a full plate of pie will help you end on a high note, instead of feeling over-stuffed and lethargic. I’m NOT saying don’t eat the pie. I’m just saying spread out the enjoyment over a few hours or a few days and you’ll feel better!
5. Eat one plate at a time. Remember that there will be leftovers of the meal, and that many of us end up at multiple Thanksgiving celebrations. There will be more stuffing in your future! I tend to eat an entire plate, and then get seconds of my favorites. Then I don’t feel well. Yes, it’s a feast, but no, you don’t need to eat it all at once! Enjoy a big plate, but don’t eat (too much) past the point of fullness. I do it every year and wish I didn’t!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving – travel safely – enjoy being with your family – remember your family members who are no longer with you – give thanks for those who are – and SAVOR that pie!