Thanksgiving is a day to remember and be thankful for all that we have. We all enjoy the good food and time with loved ones. This year we thought we’d offer you some tips for enjoying a healthy and happy Thanksgiving, along with a few interesting facts you can throw out at the dinner table to wow the relatives!
Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving
Don’t skip breakfast before the big meal. Having a small breakfast will help you to avoid overeating at the dinner table.
If possible, squeeze in a nice walk before or after dinner; staying active helps to burn off extra calories.
Make healthy ingredient choices. If you are cooking, choose fat-free broths, sugar substitutes, and reduced the amount of oil or butter you are cooking with.
Try not to overindulge. Keep your portions small, you can always go back for seconds if you are still hungry. Or…
Skip Seconds. Save those extra calories and enjoy a bit of dessert!
Eat Slowly. Don’t rush through your meal. Savor each bite and give your stomach time to tell you when you’re full.
Skip the Appetizer. Those snacks sure look good but save those calories for the main course if possible.
Minimize the Alcohol. Calories from wine and beer add up quickly and will get you every time. Try to limit your alcohol intake. And please don’t drink and drive.
5 Interesting Thanksgiving Facts
The first Thanksgiving was held in 1621 when the Plymouth colonist and the Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast.
However, it wasn’t until 1863, during the middle of the Civil War, when President Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving Day to be held in November.
Thanksgiving didn’t become an official national holiday until 1941.
Minnesota is the top turkey-producing state in the union. Minnesota is expected to produce 46.5 million turkeys in 2011.
The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade took place in 1924. Today, approximately 3 million people attend the parade and an additional 44 million people watch on television.