The holidays can be a hectic time of year which causes added stress on our bodies. Just incorporating small changes to our day can impact our mind and body. Make a plan and try to implement these simple tips to help give yourself a better chance at feeling great on Thanksgiving Day!!!!!

Stay Hydrated

Feeling hungry can sometimes be your body craving water. When you properly hydrate throughout the day, that helps your body be more attuned to its natural hunger signals. Add pieces of fruit to your water if you have a difficult time drinking plain water. Herbal tea is a great option too!

Start Your Meal with Bitters

Bitter herbs can awaken your body’s natural digestive processes by stimulating the production of gastric juices and saliva. They can even help reduce bloating, reflux, and indigestion. (www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-to-know-about-digestive-bitters) Use in a fresh salad or soup, herbal vinegars, teas, or juices. Common Thanksgiving bitter herbs to throw in your dish: dandelion, peppermint, wild lettuce, coriander, cinnamon, horseradish, parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, tarragon, juniper berries, marjoram, savory, cloves, ginger, allspice, cardamom, nutmeg, bay leaf, and pepper.

Fill Your Plate with Veggies First

To ensure vegetables make it into your meal, serve the veggie sides first on your plate.  This will also help to crowd out space on your plate which will also help reduce portion sizes of richer foods.

Serve Whole & Natural Foods

Avoid eating fatty, sugary, processed foods as much as possible.  Enjoy tasting the natural goodness of food!

Eat Slowly & Listen to Your Body Before Grabbing Seconds

It takes 20 minutes after we start eating for our bodies to register we are full.  So, eat at a leisurely pace and give yourself a moment to listen to your body before going for a second portion.

Skip the Dishes & Go for a Walk After Your Meal

A 15-minute walk after a meal can help reduce your blood sugar. (www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/exercise-lower-blood-sugar#1) Any movement will do if you don’t like to walk. Play with your kids/grandkids, have a mini dance party, get creative! So, after you are done with dessert, put off the dishes and clean up, and get moving!

Breath, Enjoy the Day & Get Back to Your Routine Tomorrow

Remember to just enjoy your day, nourish your body and soul, breathe, forget about work and other regular responsibilities and pressures, and get back to your normal routine on Friday!!!!