11 “Real” Tips for a Heart Healthy Thanksgiving

Okay, so let’s get real about Thanksgiving and trying to maintain your heart healthy habits.  Thanksgiving is a celebration built around food.  Which, in itself, isn’t a problem, but that celebration has morphed into a non-stop parade of overindulgence. That is a problem. A turkey dinner doesn’t have to derail your healthy eating habits.  Spending time with family doesn’t have to be stressful.  But, often both are true.  This year, instead of tips about substituting chicken broth for butter in the mashed potatoes, let’s get real about how to navigate Thanksgiving with your self respect, sanity, and belt in the right place. Savor the meal. Thanksgiving dishes are delicious.  Enjoy them.  Really.  Eat slowly, savor the flavors, and enjoy the aromas. Take reasonable portions. This isn’t a meal to be wolfed down. Leave the plate dirty. You are too old for the clean plate club.  We all are.  If you took some of Aunt Sally’s odd looking casserole and don’t like it, don’t eat it! Bring something you know you like. If you aren’t hosting this year, volunteer to bring something you know you will like and will fit your healthy goals.  Perhaps a nice green salad, or some green beans without all the “fixings”. Prepare some table topics.  If conversation around your holiday table sometimes gets tense, have some topics ready.  Avoid the traps of politics or religion and try something such as: If you only had to eat one food for the rest of your life, w...
Source: Embrace Your Heart Wellness Initiative - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Award Winning Blog Heart Health Stress Less eating right during holidays healthy holiday tips stress management during holidays Source Type: blogs