Five Genius Hacks for a Feel-Good Thanksgiving

5 genius hacks to enjoy every bite, stay balanced, and feel amazing this Thanksgiving.

For those celebrating, Thanksgiving is a time we look forward to as an opportunity to gather with family and friends, enjoy a special meal together and appreciate what we have. However, this one day also often signals the beginning of the season of indulgent eating. Many Thanksgiving dishes—think marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole and pumpkin pie—are foods we never make the rest of the year, so we feel that we should as much of them as possible. The result: we sometimes end up overeating and generally feeling unwell.

The good news? You can savor Thanksgiving without guilt or restrictions, leaving the table satisfied, content and feeling great. Here are five simple hacks inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle to enjoy Thanksgiving the best way:

Five Genius Hacks for a Feel-Good Thanksgiving

1. Begin the Day with a Protein-Rich Breakfast

Skipping breakfast to “save calories” for the big meal might sound logical, but it often leads to overeating later. Instead, start the day with a Mediterranean-inspired breakfast that is provides a good amount of protein. Protein helps keep your blood sugar stable and controls hunger, allowing you to approach the Thanksgiving meal not too hungry but eager to enjoy the meal.

Hack: Have,  a veggie-packed omelet made with olive oil, Greek yogurt with fresh fruit and nuts, or tahini toast on whole-grain bread.

2. Vegetables First

In Mediterranean cuisine, vegetables are often the main course, not a side dish. Bring this philosophy to your thanksgiving table by loading on vegetables first. Starting the meal with vegetables not only boosts fiber intake, but also helps balance the richer dishes that follow. If you are hosting thanksgiving include plenty of fresh salads and roasted vegetables.
If you’re contributing to the meal, bring a veggie dish that isn’t drowning in butter or cream. 

Hack: Fill your plate with vegetables and consume that first, before serving yourself more fatty and starchy dishes.

3. Stay Hydrated-Timing Counts

In the Mediterranean, water is everywhere and with every meal. Hydration is key to feeling energized and balanced. Dehydration is often confused with hunger, so by staying hydrated you avoid snacking because you think you are hungry. More importantly, the timing of drinking water in relation to your meal is going to make a difference. 

Hack: Drink a big glass of water about a half hour before the meal, and sip during the meal as well. This will help you eat less according to research. If you’re enjoying wine or cocktails, alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water, another hallmark of Mediterranean moderation.

4. Focus on Favorites-Ignore the Rest 

Many holiday dishes are nostalgic, but you don’t need to eat everything. Choose the foods you truly love; that family-recipe stuffing or a perfectly baked slice of pumpkin pie.

Hack: Before serving yourself, scan the options and choose 2-3 “can’t-miss” dishes, skipping the rest. By doing this you get to eat the things you really like without overdoing it.

5. End the Meal Strategically with these 2 Feel-Good Habits:

In Mediterranean cultures, a meal often ends with fruit and a walk. 

Hack: After the meal, instead of sitting on the couch, take a walk with family or friends or alone. A short 15-minute stroll can aid digestion, clear your mind, and leave you feeling more energized.
**Pair this with another Mediterranean-inspired habit: enjoy some fresh fruit after dessert. Fruits like oranges, apples, tangerines are rich in potassium, which can help balance out the extra sodium often found in holiday meals.