🦃 Feel Good Through the Holidays (Without Restriction)

With Thanksgiving almost here, I want to share a few simple, supportive tips to help you enjoy the holiday and feel good afterward. 🦃

These aren’t about restriction — they’re about staying connected to your body and giving it what it needs to feel balanced and energized.

✨ Start your morning with hydration
A big glass of water with electrolytes or lemon and sea salt gently wakes up your digestion and helps your body handle the richer foods later in the day.

✨ Have a nourishing pre-gathering snack
A quick mix of protein, healthy fat, and fiber (like nuts + fruit, hummus + veggies, or cheese + apple slices) steadies your blood sugar and reduces that “overly hungry” feeling that leads to overeating.

✨ Build a colorful, balanced plate
Aim for half your plate to be non-starchy veggies, then add a source of protein, a healthy fat, and a serving of complex carbs. This balance keeps you satisfied, supports stable energy throughout the day, and still leaves room to enjoy your favorite holiday foods.

Here are some simple examples:

🥦 Non-starchy veggies (load up on these!):

• Green beans
• Brussels sprouts
• Roasted carrots
• Asparagus
• Salad greens with herbs
• Sautéed spinach, kale, or Swiss chard
• Roasted broccoli or cauliflower

These add fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients — all of which help you feel good after the meal.

🍗 Proteins:

• Roasted turkey (white or dark meat — both are nutritious!)
• Ham
• Roast chicken
• Beef tenderloin
• Lentils or bean-based dishes

Protein keeps you full, supports muscle health, and helps stabilize blood sugar when paired with carbs.

🥑 Fats:

• Gravy (yes — the fat helps slow digestion!)
• Olive oil–based dressings
• Avocado
• Nuts or seeds
• Butter or ghee on veggies
• Olives

Healthy fats help you feel satisfied and reduce cravings later.

🍠 Complex carbs (one of my favorite holiday additions):

• Sweet potatoes
• Mashed potatoes
• Squash
• Quinoa or wild rice stuffing
• Whole-grain rolls
• Corn
• Pumpkin-based dishes

Complex carbs give you sustained energy and help you feel grounded — especially when paired with protein and fat.

✨ Slow down and eat in a way that supports your digestion
Take a slow breath before your first bite and offer a moment of gratitude. This simple pause puts your nervous system into “rest and digest,” which can make a big difference for digestion. Before a heavier meal, a splash of apple cider vinegar, lemon, or a digestive enzyme can offer gentle support.

✨ Plan to move your body gently after your meal
A 10–15 minute walk helps with blood sugar balance, supports digestion, and keeps you from feeling overly full. Ask a friend or family member to join you — it’s a great way to connect and get some fresh air.

✨ And remember: you don’t need to be perfect to feel good
You’re aiming for nourishment, intention, and connection — not restriction.

If you’re wanting more personalized support heading into the holidays (or feeling like your body is asking for deeper guidance), I’d love to help.

👉 You can book a free call with me here.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving full of good food, warm connection, and the kind of nourishment that lasts beyond the meal.