We all love to indulge on Thanksgiving—but you can indulge without overdoing it and still feel like you have done it all! It is possible to have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving without doing your body any harm and here’s how:

• Exercise: Start your Thanksgiving Day with exercise to rev your metabolism and feel great all day. Whether you’re functioning at full capacity or still recovering from an injury, find a way to move your body. 
• Breakfast: Many people starve themselves all day in anticipation of the large holiday meal. This only sets you up for overeating. Instead, have a healthy breakfast and a small lunch prior to the large Thanksgiving meal.
• Water: If you’re adequately hydrated, you’re less likely to overeat. Start hydrating first thing in the morning and keep it going all day.
• Portion Size: It’s not rocket science—keep your portion sizes healthy. The table is loaded with a variety of delicious foods, but sometimes a small taste is enough to satisfy. Plus, the less you eat now, the more you’ll get to enjoy later as leftovers.
• Leafy Greens: Fill up on leafy greens and you’re less likely to binge on the heavier foods.
• Family: Focus on the people rather than the food. This holiday is an opportunity to gather and connect, not binge.
• Breathe: Take three deep breaths before you take your first bite. This will help you slow down and enjoy your food—and most likely, eat less. Practice putting your fork down between bites, so that you don’t operate on autopilot. We often shovel more food into our mouth before we’ve had a chance to chew and enjoy the food that is already there.
• Post-Meal Walk: Take a post-meal family walk after dinner and before dessert. This will help you avoid the couch, get moving, burn some calories, and practice moderation once dessert is served.
• Enjoy: Don’t completely deprive yourself. Moderation is really the simple key. Sometimes the healthiest choice is to savor the simple pleasures in life—like pumpkin or pecan pie.

From all of us here at Chattanooga Non-Surgical Orthopedics, have a happiest and healthiest Thanksgiving! We’re grateful for each and every one of you!