As moms, Thanksgiving is like a freaking marathon. Between cooking, entertaining, and keeping the kids occupied, not counting all the planning that went Into the meal, running to 3 stores to get all your ingredients, and figuring out what everyone will eat (Including picky toddlers) - it's a lot. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed about how to enjoy the day without "falling off track." Here is how to enjoy Thanksgiving without the guilt.
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose between indulging and staying aligned with your wellness goals. With a little planning and the right mindset, you can prioritize your health, enjoy the holiday, and feel great doing it. Here is how to enjoy Thanksgiving without the guilt.
1. Set Realistic Expectations
First, let’s ditch the all-or-nothing mindset. Thanksgiving is one day, not a make-or-break event for your progress or your health so let's stop freaking out about it. A single meal or a slice of pie won’t undo all your hard work—but an overly restrictive mindset might. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on balance and mindfulness.
Tip: Decide ahead of time how you want to feel after the day is over. Energized? Satisfied? Comfortable? Let that guide your choices.
2. Don't Starve Yourself
So many people think they need to 'save calories' or not eat all day. This is an unhealthy and unuseful plan for a few reasons. First of all, you're going to be hangry when you sit down to the big meal, meaning you may eat past the point of fullness and feel like crap. Also, not eating all day will slow down digestion, and then packing in a HUGE meal will just make you feel bloated and heavy. Follow the tips in the next bullet point for breakfast and make sure you're still eating throughout the day.
3.Make Protein a Priority
Protein is your secret weapon for staying full and balancing your blood sugar. It helps keep your energy steady throughout the day. While Thanksgiving spreads are often carb-heavy (yasss mashed potatoes and rolls!), it’s easier than you think to sneak in more protein.
How to prioritize protein:
At breakfast: Start your day with eggs, a protein smoothie, or Greek yogurt topped with fruit and nuts.
On the dinner plate: Load up on turkey (skinless if you want to cut back on fat) and any protein-packed sides like deviled eggs or roasted chickpeas.
4. Build a Balanced Plate
When it’s time to dig in, use the half-plate rule:
Fill half your plate with colorful, non-starchy veggies (like green beans, salad, or roasted brussels sprouts).
Reserve a quarter for protein (turkey or whatever is on your table).
Use the remaining quarter for those holiday favorites you love—whether it’s stuffing, mac and cheese, or sweet potatoes.
This method ensures you’re getting a mix of nutrients while still enjoying the foods that make Thanksgiving special.
5. Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to mistake thirst for hunger, especially during busy, food-centric days. Keep a water bottle handy and sip throughout the day. Staying hydrated will help you feel more energized, aid digestion, and reduce mindless snacking.
Pro tip: If you’re enjoying cocktails or wine, alternate alcoholic drinks with water to avoid battling a hangover at 5 AM when your kids decide to wake up the day after Thanksgiving.
6. Get Moving (and Include the Family!)
A quick walk after your meal isn’t just great for digestion—it’s also a wonderful way to spend time together as a family. You don’t need a full workout to feel good; even 10-15 minutes of light movement can boost your mood and energy.
Ideas for family-friendly activity:
Organize a quick game of tag or football in the yard.
Take a family walk to enjoy the crisp fall weather.
Put on a fun song and just dance it out.
7. Practice Mindful Indulgence
Let’s be clear: you don’t need to skip dessert. The key is mindfulness—enjoy your favorite treats without guilt or overindulgence.
Try this: Serve yourself one or two desserts you genuinely love, take small bites, and savor every moment. Focusing on quality over quantity can make the experience more satisfying.
8. Let Go of the Guilt
This might be the most important tip of all. Thanksgiving is about gratitude, connection, and making memories—not stressing over every bite. Give yourself grace, enjoy the day, and trust that one day is not going to make or break your wellness goals.
Remember: It’s what you do consistently that matters most, not what happens on a single day.
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing day for your wellness goals. With a little planning, you can prioritize protein, balance indulgence with mindfulness, and truly enjoy the holiday without guilt.
You’re doing amazing, Mama.
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍂
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