Yes, this week is the week of Thanksgiving but I am not going to write this and tell you how to eat healthy on Thanksgiving Day because most of you will enjoy this one meal so I want you to enjoy the special foods that you only see once a year. Maybe you are traveling to see family members, staying with friends or family, and having little control over the food that you will be served this extended holiday. So, what can you do to help make your Thanksgiving feast not turn into an extended food extravaganza?
If you are traveling, here are some things that you can do to help:
- Pack snacks for the car so you don’t have to stop and search for the healthy options at the gas station or at the drive thru window. Consider packing a cooler with items like string cheese, portable yogurts, deli meat, raw veggies, and bottled water. Other great snacks can include homemade trail mix, dry cereal, pieces of fresh fruit, mixed nuts, and protein bars like Kind Bars or Lara Bars.
- Offer to be in charge of one meal for the day even if it means that you have to make a trip to the grocery store upon arrival. This will allow you the opportunity to be in charge of the choices that are available. You can serve a meatless dinner one night, grab a variety of fresh fruit to serve on top of yogurt for a parfait bar for breakfast, or make a deli tray for lunch with lots of veggies to put on top.
- Have snacks handy so you can keep with your regular eating pattern. Most of us have better control even in a more challenging food environment when we stay on the normal eating schedule with frequent meals and snacks. Family and friends may not be accustomed to eating every 2-3 hours so don’t be dependent on them for your eating schedule. Bring your own fruits and snacks so you can eat in between meals to avoid getting overly hungry and overeat at meals.
- Bring or buy bottled water for your travel. Remember to stay hydrated this holiday weekend, especially when sodium content tends to be higher than normal. Sometimes getting away from our normal environment can change our drinking habits so keep your water handy!
If you are traveling this holiday weekend, be safe. When you are packing your clothes for the weekend, don’t forget to think about your food too and pack some healthy snacks so you can stay in your normal eating routines and schedules. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
