Food Babies and Turkey Comas

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and that means spending time with loved ones, sharing all of the reasons you are thankful, and of course, eating until you want to burst. Now, I’m all for indulging and celebrating on Turkey Day, but I also have some tips for celebrating smart so that you don’t wake up the next morning with a massive stomachache, searching for your stretchy pants. So take note, and aim to follow at least one of these holiday eating rules… you will be glad you did!

1. This first one has nothing to do with eating, but I think that it is extremely helpful, even essential: Do something active either before or after the big meal (or both). Get the family to go on a hike in the morning or play a game of football in the backyard after the mashed potatoes and gravy have been scarfed down. Any activity is going to burn calories (we all know that thanksgiving is a high-calorie bomb), and if you go for a walk after all that turkey and pie, you help keep yourself out of the dreaded turkey coma where you just plop down on the couch and unbutton your pants. So make sure you move!

The leaves are changing! Love this about Autumn

2. Aim for color! Don’t get stuck with a plate that is only tan- think turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy. Always try to “eat the rainbow”, whether it is some sweet potato casserole, some green beans, or collard greens, and some cranberry sauce, those colorful foods offer lots of important vitamins and nutrients. Even when you are indulging, you can always make sure there are some colorful (and vitamin-filled) foods on the plate.

3 Lastly, try to stop eating before you are in pain. Seems logical, but we tend to overeat at Thanksgiving, regardless of the pain. In most cases, there will be leftovers, and the food will still be there tomorrow. There is no need to feel obligated to eat everything all gone! Take your time, enjoy the conversation, eat what you want, and stop before you need to sit down and take a deep breath. I promise, you will feel much better than if you had stuffed your face to the point of pain (been there, done that)

Ok, so there you have it! Nothing complicated, no sacrifices, just small changes that add up to make a big difference! Have a Happy Thanksgiving, and tell me, what dish(es) are you most looking forward to?( I’m a stuffing girl.) XO, Alexandra

homemade pumpkin macarons