Every year, our members ask us for tips to keep their Thanksgiving Level 1 approved. We understand the holiday’s challenges, so we’ve developed some strategies to help you tackle Turkey Day! Even if you only follow one or two of these tips, you’ll get through Thanksgiving happy, healthy, and NOT hungry!
Pay Attention to Portions
Completely cutting out favorites like green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, or candied yams will leave you unsatisfied, which can lead to cravings. If you want to indulge in some non-Level 1 Thanksgiving favorites, just savor a scoop! Usually, a few bites of these more decadent sides is enough to satisfy you without sending you off the deep end.
Munch Mindfully
So often, we get caught up in eating and forget about tasting! Try putting your fork down between bites. It’s an easy way to maximize your enjoyment of each dish. Eating slower will also allow you to feel your body’s fullness cues. This way, you can truly savor your favorite dishes while avoiding overeating! This is a perfect way to make the most of each bite of Thanksgiving!
Plan your Plate
Ask yourself if this sounds familiar: when you’re let loose on the Turkey Day Table, you end up so overwhelmed that you just put everything on your plate! This year, take a minute to think about what will genuinely fuel and satisfy you. Make sure turkey, roasted veggies, and a beautiful Thanksgiving salad get most of your plate real estate. But, as we said in Tip 1, leaving little room for your favorites is okay.
Eat Betr Before
Do you have a regular Betr eating routine? Stick to it before the Big Meal! Eat the Level 1 foods you enjoy on a typical day before heading to family Thanksgiving. Enjoy some eggs for breakfast, a salad for lunch, or snack on your favorite fruit! This way, you won’t be starving when you get to the appetizer table! Getting in some Betr grub will give your body the necessary nutrients to avoid cravings and overeating.
Maintain your Movement
Once you escape the kitchen, the Thanksgiving celebration actually requires a lot of sitting. You sit around the table to eat, talk, or play games. Then, of course, you sit (or nap) in front of the football game. Why not try to incorporate some movement into your Turkey Day this year? Try to start a new family tradition of an after-dinner walk. If you have a morning exercise routine, try to stick to it. At the very least, get up and help with the dishes!
Hydrate this Holiday
Whether catching up with loved ones or dealing with chaos in the kitchen, it’s easy to forget to drink water on Thanksgiving. Focus on maintaining your regular Level 1 hydration habit. Not only will drinking plenty of water helps avoid thirst cravings masquerading as hunger, but it also aids digestion. This is especially important if you add a few treats you haven’t eaten in a while!
Suggest a New Side
If you don’t see yourself being able to stick to only a small scoop of mashed potatoes and gravy, try substituting something altogether different! If you’re cooking, prep some creamy, garlicky mashed cauliflower or roast brussels sprouts instead of green bean casserole. If you’re a guest, bring a Level 1 dish to share! Who knows? Your new addition could become a family tradition!
Be Selective About Your Sweetness
Between drinks and dessert, Thanksgiving can be a sugar smorgasbord. That’s why we recommend being selective about your holiday indulgences. Think about whether a cocktail or a slice of pie is the “make or break” Turkey Day treat, and try to stick to just one of them. Instead of all the pie, enjoy some fresh fruit. Instead of multiple boozy beverages, add some fruit to seltzer water for an excellent holiday mocktail!
Thanksgiving Only: Turkey is Level 1!
At Betr, we don’t believe in pardoning the turkey! It’s a great lean protein, and enjoying it for one day is entirely Betr-approved! Dr. Ferro has moved Turkey onto the Level 1 list for Thanksgiving only!
Betr, Not Perfect
Here’s our most important Thanksgiving tip: remember our central philosophy of Betr, not perfect. Having an extra piece of pie or more mashed potatoes than you planned to on Thanksgiving doesn’t determine your overall health! Taking steps to improve your eating habits all year round does!
Betr is a program of nourishment, not punishment. Our focus is learning how to enjoy a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. So, if Thanksgiving doesn’t quite go as planned, just let your coach know! There’s no shame or scolding here! We’ll help you refocus on Level 1 basics.
Finally, and most importantly, we at Betr want you to know how truly grateful we are for you, the member. You inspire us every day and keep us focused on the important thing: spreading the movement of health and happiness to create a Betr world!
From the Betr Family to yours- Happy Thanksgiving!
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