Learn how to celebrate Thanksgiving with healthy habits.

We don't have the healthiest associations with Thanksgiving. To many people, it's all about eating as much as possible and then taking a nice, long nap. Establish a new tradition this year by celebrating in a health-conscious way that won’t disrupt your good habits. Try these tips for a happy, healthy Thanksgiving gathering.

Replace your nap with a walk. Instead of curling up in front of the game after your meal, grab friends and family and go on a brisk walk. If you’re following the CDC’s guidelines for activity for adults, 30 minutes of brisk walking on Thanksgiving will put you well on your way to your weekly goal.

Limit alcohol. Avoid drinking too much during holiday gatherings. Alcoholic beverages contain empty calories. In addition, drinking increases your risks of developing many health conditions.    

Substitute unhealthy foods with healthy alternatives. Whenever you can, switch out unhealthy ingredients in your recipes. Look for low sodium, nonfat, low calorie and low sugar ingredients. Avoid cooking in fattening ingredients such as butter.

Choose healthy desserts. Serve fresh fruit at your gathering. Try desserts like angel food cake instead of sweets like pies. Try biscotti and coffee instead of high-fat and high-calorie cookies. Make sure there are low-sugar and sugar-free alternatives available at your gathering.

Take care of your mental health. Avoid holiday blues by giving yourself time to decompress and de-stress during the holidays. Ask for help with tasks like cooking and preparing for any holiday gatherings. Give yourself time to reflect on the things you are thankful for, but remember that it's okay to feel sad or stressed at times.

Start the holiday season in good health! If you haven't had a flu shot, make an appointment with your doctor for one. You can find a doctor through our online physician locator or by calling our free referral service, Consult-A-Nurse, at 1-800-446-6956.

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