Thanksgiving Without “Stuffing”

It’s Thanksgiving, a holiday we celebrate by stuffing ourselves full of foods that sit in our stomachs heavily and put us all to sleep. The way we celebrate this kind-spirited holiday with controversial origins is quintessentially American. Overeating while we watch athletes run off our calories. (If only…)

I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer when you’re happily getting out your elastic-waistband pants and daydreaming about gravy, but I would like to suggest a few radical things.

1. Slow and steady wins the race. Serve yourself small portions of all of your favorite things, then eat slowly. If you need seconds, that’s your call. I find that starting small and slow helps me eat moderately and stretch the experience so I don’t feel bloated or gross when I’m done.
2. Water, water, water. Have a big glass of water before every other thing you consume. This will help keep you full in the face of temptation, and it will also help keep you hydrated if part of your tradition is beer.
3. Go heavy on veggies. If you serve yourself a mountain of green beans or salad, there will be less room on your plate for stuffing and potatoes, and you’ll fill up on the healthiest part of the meal.
4. Walk it off. Whatever you eat, make sure moving around is also part of the day. If you are blessed to be in a moderate climate, take the family for a group walk around the neighborhood before dessert. The fresh air will do well for staying awake, and you’ll make more room for pumpkin pie. Your digestive tract will thank you!
5. Go with the flow. Honestly, if this is the one big indulgence you’ve been looking forward to all year, just enjoy! Wake up Friday and go to the gym. Go veggie for a week to balance things out. Don’t let guilt and stress mess with a happy day.

I’m so grateful for anyone who’s reading this today. I’m grateful for the network of clients, colleagues, friends and family who make my free and flexible lifestyle possible. I’m grateful to be celebrating this Thanksgiving in Cabo, literally living my dream of an end-of-year sabbatical– I’m skipping the Thanksgiving food and will be enjoying an Art Walk in downtown San Jose del Cabo as my holiday treat!

Happy Thanksgiving!