Will you party like a pilgrim?

Word has it that the original celebration lasted for three days! Apparently there was intermittent feasting and entertainment – they had muskets, we have football. If you enjoy the bounty of Thanksgiving the way I do then you are probably grateful that this holiday has been shortened to one day. Like so many other Kinetix folks, I put Thanksgiving in the category of ultimate Free Target. In my house it’s all about family, traditional foods, and sampling new additions. And, even though the pie to person ratio is usually 1:1, I do try to follow some simple nutrition guidelines so it’s not a complete wash.

Here are a few tips to help you make your Thanksgiving a healthier one:

Take a moment to be grateful. Remember and reflect on how far you have come in your program with Kinetix. Think about all the incredible healthful gains you have made. Maybe this year community feels a bit different to you.

Take your time. You can still have seconds; just try to listen to the signals of when you are really full. The leftovers will be there tomorrow.

Burn a few extra calories. Getting up and down from the table to clear or doing some dishes can make room for pecan AND pumpkin pie. Scoring major points with the family never hurts either.

Make room for a variety of foods. At my house we build the meal around the favorites. Each year we gather a few new friends along with the lifelong ones, and pack them in at the family table. New dishes are brought, letting us quietly celebrate each family’s differences and creative use of the all-purpose green bean.

You can still pay attention to portion sizes. For me the ideal meal is when I get to experience a variety of flavors and textures. By starting with a small serving I am able to taste everything and go back to the dishes I just have to have again. If you do the same with dessert you will feel as though you have eaten like a king or the Captain of the Mayflower.

However you choose celebrate Thanksgiving remind yourself the many ways nourishment can happen.
Family, friends, and good food are a simple way to start. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Kinetix!