Happy Thanksgiving!
Hopefully you're super psyched about this awesome and meaningful holiday. I now live in a new country that doesn't formally celebrate Thanksgiving, but I was secretly happy to learn that my new family here celebrates this American holiday.
So on top of many other things, I am grateful for that this week.
Thanksgiving is, after all, about GIVING THANKS. It's a time to be with loved ones and celebrate all the awesome things in life. And of course, it's a great time to enjoy delicious food. Who doesn't love Thanksgiving food, wine, and family time?
Problem is, many of us health-conscious people simultaneously slightly dread the holiday because we usually wake up bloated and feeling heavy the next day, and possibly even gain weight in just one weekend.
Luckily I've discovered that doesn't need to be the case. IT IS TOTALLY POSSIBLE TO ENJOY A HEALTHY THANKSGIVING, while staying guilt-free. Of course indulging a bit is OK, but if you balance it out with some healthier (and even more delicious) recipes, and a few more tips (that I share with you), you can fully enjoy the holiday without any negative consequences.
FIRST, LET ME SHARE 3 TIPS THAT I PERSONALLY PRACTICE, then check out my blogs for more tips from me and recipes for a Healthy Thanksgiving!
1. Thanksgiving morning (and Friday morning after) is a great time to RESTORE and REFLECT. Make time for some meditation or prayer, even if it's 10 minutes; make time for yoga/barre or your workout of choice; make time for your coffee/tea at your breakfast table, sipping slowly while enjoying your morning reading; take a long shower,/bath; make time for a face mask or whatever you feel relaxes and restores you. Then, most importantly, make time to jot down your GRATITUDE LIST. Jot down at least 3 things you're thankful for. This honestly sets the tone for a more relaxed, stress-free, and healthy thanksgiving.
2. Try to lock in one really healthy meal, and focus on making at least one-third of the day healthy. Have a healthy breakfast, work out, then enjoy the afternoon/evening meal(s) without any guilt.
3. Before/during your thanksgiving meal, try taking a digestive aid. I recommend: a shot of apple cider vinegar in your water, digestive bitters and/or digestive enzymes. And then, be mindful while you eat. Eat slowly and chew your food. This is honestly one of the best and most effective tips I can share with you today!
And now, READ MORE HERE for more tips and recipes!
Pumpkin Pie Pudding for Thanksgiving
6 Delicious & Healthy Holiday Recipes
10 Tips for a Healthier Thanksgiving & Holiday Season
As a little Thanksgiving Bonus, here is one additional new recipe that I'm loving:
Creamy Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup
Ingredients (serves 5-6):
1 tablespoon coconut oil or ghee
1 yellow onion, diced
1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 6 cups / 2 lbs)
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 2-3 cups)
2 cups water + 2 cups broth (preferably homemade, or low-sodium if buy)
1 teaspoon shredded fresh ginger (or can use ½ tsp dried ground ginger)
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
½-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
About 1 teaspoon sea salt + ½ teaspoon black pepper
About 1 cup coconut milk (full fat, preferably organic) - divided
Toppings: pumpkin seeds and an extra drizzle of coconut milk
Instructions:
- Heat coconut oil (or ghee) in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. Add chopped onions to pot and cook about 5 minutes.
- Add in the butternut squash, sweet potato, water and broth, and all the spices. Stir well. Then turn up the heat to medium-high, cover, and cook about 20-25 minutes or until veggies are fork-tender. Turn off heat.
- Using an immersion blender, purée the soup. Add in about ¾ of the coconut milk, sea salt and pepper, and stir. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Serve warm and top off each bowl with about 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of coconut milk. Store leftovers in refrigerator.
Love, Gratitude & a Healthy Thanksgiving,
Mariana