Healthy Thanksgiving Ideas for Your Patients

As Thanksgiving approaches, doctors and healthcare practitioners can help their patients avoid the typical unhealthy pitfalls we’ve all experienced during the holiday. While we typically associate Thanksgiving with indulgent feasts and tighter pants, it’s possible to enjoy the holiday and still prioritize health and well-being.

That’s why we’ve compiled some great healthy Thanksgiving ideas and advice that you can share with your patients so you can help them celebrate this year and feel good doing it!

Tips for Nutrition and Mindful Eating

Emphasize Portion Control

One of the keys to a healthy Thanksgiving meal is portion control. Encourage your patients to use smaller plates, so they’re less likely to overindulge. Remind them that Thanksgiving is a time for enjoying food and family, not feeling sick. Encouraging mindful eating and savoring each bite can help patients enjoy their meals without overeating.

Enjoy Turkey and Other Lean Proteins

The easy part! Turkey is a great source of lean protein, and is typically the centerpiece of a healthy Thanksgiving meal. So patients should enjoy their turkey, because it’s full of protein.

Include Plenty of Vegetables

Suggest creating a colorful and nutritious Thanksgiving plate by filling it with a variety of vegetables. Roasted, steamed, or sautéed vegetables can add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the meal. Encourage your patients to incorporate vegetables like Brussels sprouts, green beans, and colorful peppers into their holiday spread.

Offer Whole Grains

Encourage your patients to choose whole grains over refined ones. Whole grains, such as quinoa, brown rice, and whole-grain bread, can provide essential nutrients and fiber. Suggest incorporating these grains into stuffing recipes and side dishes.

Rethink Traditional Dishes

Encourage your patients to get creative with their Thanksgiving menu. They can make healthier versions of traditional dishes, such as sweet potato casserole with a lighter topping or cranberry sauce with less added sugar. Provide them with recipes that offer healthier alternatives.

Hydrate and Limit Alcohol

Remind your patients to stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water. Dehydration can sometimes be mistaken for hunger, leading to overeating. If they choose to consume alcohol, advise moderation, as it can contribute to excessive calorie intake.

Practice Mindful Eating

Encourage your patients to practice mindful eating. Remind them to savor each bite, enjoy the company of loved ones, and put down their forks between bites. Eating slowly can help the body recognize fullness, preventing overindulgence.

Be Selective with Desserts

Sweets are a tempting part of Thanksgiving, but they can be high in added sugars. Encourage your patients to enjoy dessert in moderation and choose healthier options like fruit salad or yogurt parfaits. Additionally, suggest limiting the number of dessert options available to reduce the temptation to overindulge.

Staying Active

Choose an Activity for The Whole Family

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be all about food; it’s also an excellent time for physical activity. Suggest taking a family walk, playing outdoor games, or organizing a friendly football game before or after the meal. This can help burn off extra calories and promote overall well-being.

Cooking, Prep, and, Cleaning

Thanksgiving cooking, shopping, preparation, and, cleaning are hard work! Encourage patients to take advantage of these activities and use them as a way to exercise, even when it seems like there’s no time to!

Tips to Promote Mental Health

Gratitude

Thanksgiving is not just about the food; it’s about expressing gratitude for the blessings in our lives. Encourage your patients to take a moment to reflect on the positive aspects of their lives and share these thoughts with loved ones. A focus on gratitude can reduce stress, and emotional eating, as well as promote positive thought patterns.

Plan Ahead

Help your patients prepare for Thanksgiving by planning their meals in advance. Suggest that they eat a balanced breakfast and a light lunch to avoid arriving at the dinner table overly hungry. This can prevent overeating and excessive snacking, or stress related to unexpected temptations on the day of.

Supportive Environment

Encourage your patients to communicate with their family and friends about their health goals. A supportive environment can make it easier to stick to a healthy eating plan, as loved ones can provide understanding and encouragement.

BodySite Food Tracker and Meal Programs

The holidays aren’t typically a time to be too strict, so while calorie counting and health programs may not be on your patient’s mind, these tools are always here if they need them.

Bodysite enables patients to easily track their food intake, monitor their nutritional choices, and monitor their personalized health goals.

Encouraging patients to utilize Bodysite can be particularly beneficial during or after Thanksgiving, as it provides a practical means of staying accountable and making informed dietary decisions.

Patients can record their meals, monitor portion sizes, and track their caloric intake, all while receiving guidance and feedback from you and your team of healthcare providers.

Not yet a BodySite subscriber? Take a look inside a demo account without a credit card here. Or if you’re ready to get started, take advantage of our 30 Day Free Trial!