Thanksgiving is one of my favourite holidays; it kick-starts the fall season, is filled with family & good food, and is a time to reflect on what you’re thankful for. (For those that don’t know – the image above is from Modern Family – I didn’t just pick a creepy image of a random family).
My Thanksgiving usually consists of getting together with immediate or extended family. We enjoy each other’s company, have a couple glasses of wine & cook a delish turkey dinner.
I think I’m going to enjoy this Thanksgiving more than ever. Last year around Thanksgiving weekend I lost both my grandparents, and my dad had an accident that involved his hand & an unforgiving machine. That being said, we are thankful that the injury was to his left hand, he still has his thumb (the most important finger!) and he can still work (he’s amazing by the way – one of the most positive, hard-working people I know). Other things I’m thankful for this Thanksgiving: God, family & friends, my health and my home.
It’s so easy to focus on the negative things in our lives, but one of my favourite sayings is: “grateful people are happy people.” Take time this Thanksgiving to put aside the negative, and really think about the positive things in your life that you’re thankful for. And don’t forget it once the holiday is over; be thankful for those things every day, and be a more grateful, happier version of yourself.
Being healthy is definitely something I don’t take for granted. Healthy living is not only my passion, but something I work hard at every day, and holidays are no exception. Here’s a little “eat this, not that” to guide your food choices this weekend. Have a Happy & Healthy Thanksgiving!
| Eat This | Not That |
| Turkey Breast (no skin): only 100 calories for 3 slices | Turkey thighs with skin: higher in cals than the breast, and 1 small piece of skin is 80 cals |
| Sweet Potatoes & Squash: full of fiber, vitamins & won’t spike your blood sugar | White mashed potatoes: I know they’re good, but they’re the reason why you feel crazy full & tired after dinner, and they also spike your blood sugar |
| Gravy: It may get a bad rep, but ¼ cup is only 50 calories | Cranberry sauce: high in sugar & cals – ½ cup is 210 cals & has 4 tbsp of sugar! |
| Appies: Raw veggies & hummus, nuts or shrimp are good choices. They are high in protein & low in fat. | Cheese & crackers, deep-fried finger foods, cheesey dips: high in fat & calories – better to stay away. |
| Stuffing: It’s a Thanksgiving fav – it’s high in salt & white carbs so keep your portion small. | Bread or biscuits with butter: these can run you about 200 cals a piece (w/ butter), and will fill you up with bad carbs before you even eat your dinner! |
| Pan-fried or steamed veggies: get the goodness of veggies without the added fat & cals. | Baked Veggie dishes with a crispy or creamy topping: this just means added fat & cals. |
When it comes to alcohol, pick your wine or beer of choice, but enjoy in moderation – aim to have 1 drink per hour (that’s the rate at which our liver can process alcohol). Anything more than that and the alcohol starts flooding into our brains.
When it comes to dessert, my advice is: just pick one, but pick your favourite.
Love the chart!!!!!
Yea! Glad you like it!
I am so thank-ful for you and your sisters! Your hard work and your interest in healthy eating and lifestyle inspire me! Last year was tough but thanks to my loving family we got through it. Love papa xox
Thanks for the comment papa xoxo
Great post and funny pic. Can’t wait to see what you bring to Thanksgiving dinner!
Thanks sista! xo
Great post Lauren! I agree that we should all be more grateful for the blessings in our lives. I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving! xo
p.s. The fall colours are beautiful at Danford this weekend!
Thanks Julie! I bet it looks so nice up there – enjoy! Happy Thanksgiving xo
Great tips here Lauren! Totally agree about the dessert choice. Sometimes having too many choices can get the best of us. Hope you had a great thanksgiving weekend! 🙂
Thanks Vanessa!