Last year was my first Thanksgiving without meat, dairy, or bread and it was the first year that I enjoyed everything I ate without the feeling of ‘I need to unbutton my pants or I am going to explode’.

C’mon’ – I know you know what I am talking about!

In previous years my plate was primarily brown; turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, roll, corn, and maybe, just maybe a little sliver of my Grandma’s broccoli casserole would make it on there.  BUT let’s get real that is still yellow because the amount of cheese on there hides the green broccoli.    I would enjoy that meal.  In fact, I would enjoy it so very much that I would get seconds.  Then I would fit some kind of dessert in my already stuffed tummy, because, ya know, it is Thanksgiving!!

For the next 4-5 hours while that load of food digested, I would spend the rest of the afternoon uncomfortable, sleepy, and groggy.  I always hated that part.

BUT this last year, boy what a difference in how I felt.  I was full yet light, had room to enjoy more of a dessert that didn’t bother me, and drank a little bit more wine.  WHY?  Because my food didn’t weigh me down.

I know what you are saying, that is just part of Thanksgiving.  However, just hear me out on this.

What if you could still eat your favorites but ALSO feel light and energized to enjoy the rest of the day?

If that sounds good to you, then here are my tips:

1.  Eat your veggies first.

*Preferably a green veggie. If you are going somewhere, bring a veggie to share so that you have that option.  By starting with the veggies, it will ensure tat you get the healthy stuff first and will also provide you with fiber to help get things moving.

2.  Don’t guzzle drinks while you are eating.

* Drink 1 glass of water before you eat.  During your meal, take tiny sips of water.  Wait until an hour after eating to drink one more glass of water. This will help get your digestive enzymes working properly.

3.  Don’t skip your breakfast.

*Just don’t do it.  You are not setting yourself up for success. Not only are you depriving your body of the nourishment it craves, but also you may get a headache and just feel crappy.  Not fun!  I suggest eating oatmeal the morning of with some blueberries and mixed nuts or seeds on top.

4.  Chew your food well.

*Did you know you should chew your food about 30 times!  Crazy fact but true.    Let your body work on absorbing all the nutrients.   Pace yourself- let your brain recognize when your stomach is full.  Enjoy the food. You or your family worked hard on it, take time to enjoy it.

5.  Don’t deprive yourself.

*Eat what you want, just take a small piece of pie instead of half the pie.  Or eat 2 cookies instead of 10.

Here is the bottom line:  Don’t be afraid to enjoy your favorite foods but keep these tips in mind as you start to pile food on your plates.  These little tips can help make a huge difference in the long run – for example when January 1^st hits and you’re wishing you would have not ate everything in site between Thanksgiving and New Years.  Trust me, it is not a fun cycle to be on.

YOU GOT THIS.

If you need someone in your back pocket to be your support for you, here is all my contact info:

Email at info@livingonroots.com
Instagram @Livingonroots (send me a DM)
Twitter @Livingonroots (send me a message)

Now you have no excuses 😉 I am here for you this holiday season!