Grateful & Guilt-Free: Your Ultimate Guide to a Healthy, Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s time to celebrate! Whether you’re hosting, cooking, or simply showing up with your appetite, this guide has you covered. From fun holiday games that bring everyone together to tasty treats that keep things balanced, we’ll explore how to enjoy the holiday while keeping burnout at bay. Plus, we’ve got delicious recipes, clever snack ideas, and a fitness twist to help you stay active and energized. Let’s dive into everything you need for a joyful, guilt-free Thanksgiving!

Prioritize Healthy Eating Over the Holidays

Thanksgiving spreads are often loaded with heavy, calorie-rich dishes. Instead of restricting yourself, focus on balance and mindful choices.

Healthy Thanksgiving Food Strategies

• Portion Control: Use a smaller plate to avoid overeating.
• Start with Veggies: Fill half your plate with fresh greens, roasted vegetables, and salads.
• Savor the Flavors: Eat slowly, savor each bite, and give your body time to feel full.
• Limit Sugary Sides: Opt for healthier versions of traditional dishes, such as mashed sweet potatoes without marshmallows or cranberry sauce with less sugar.

Delicious and Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes

Here are two great recipes to include in your Thanksgiving meal.

Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast

A healthier twist on the classic turkey.

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey breast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp thyme, chopped
• 1 tbsp sage, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon slices (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 1.5-2 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with lemon slices.

Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

A crowd-pleasing side dish that’s both tasty and healthy.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Smart Snack Ideas

Snacking can be your friend when done right! Here are some healthy snack ideas for the holiday:

• Veggie Platter with Greek Yogurt Dip: Combine plain Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic, and dill for a healthy dip.
• Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Season with paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt before roasting.
• Stuffed Dates: Fill dates with almond butter for a naturally sweet treat.

Thanksgiving Mocktail: Sparkling Apple Ginger Spritz

Skip the heavy alcoholic drinks and enjoy this refreshing, festive mocktail instead.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sparkling water
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Ice cubes
• Apple slices and a cinnamon stick for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a glass, combine sparkling water, apple cider, ginger, and lime juice.
2. Add ice cubes and stir well.
3. Garnish with apple slices and a cinnamon stick.

Keep Moving: Thanksgiving Fitness Challenges

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to engage the whole family in some fun fitness activities.

Ideas for Fitness Challenges:

1. Turkey Trot: Join a local 5K run/walk or create your own route around the neighborhood.
2. Plank Competition: See who can hold a plank the longest.
3. Football Game: Organize a casual game of touch football in the backyard.
4. Squat Challenge: Before or after dinner, challenge everyone to see how many squats they can do in a minute.

Fun Games to Bring People Together

Thanksgiving is about spending quality time together. Here are some games that everyone can enjoy:

• Gratitude Circle: Go around the table and share what you’re thankful for this year.
• Thanksgiving Bingo: Create bingo cards with common Thanksgiving themes like "turkey," "football," or "pumpkin pie."
• Charades: Act out Thanksgiving-related words and phrases for a hilarious time.

Cultivate a Positive Thanksgiving Mindset

Thanksgiving is not just about food and activities—it’s a time to focus on gratitude and connection.

Tips for a Positive Thanksgiving:

• Start your day with a gratitude meditation or journaling session.
• Take a walk before or after dinner to reflect on what you're thankful for.
• If you overindulge, don’t stress! Get back to your healthy habits the next day.

Stay Accountable with a 30-Day Fitness Plan

Thanksgiving can be the start of a fitness challenge rather than a setback. Join a 30-day fitness challenge, like the ones offered in the Burn by Rebecca Louise app, to stay consistent through the holidays. Commit to short, effective daily workouts that fit into your schedule, even during the busy holiday season.

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a little something extra to be thankful for—like an incredible sale! To celebrate the season, we’re offering 50% off our Burn by Rebecca Louise app subscription for a limited time.

Plus, as a holiday bonus, you’ll get three extra goodies. Don’t miss out—this deal is too good to pass up!

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to derail your health goals. With delicious recipes, smart strategies, and fun activities, you can enjoy the holiday guilt-free. Remember, it’s about balance, gratitude, and enjoying time with loved ones. So get moving, fuel your body with nourishing food, and give thanks for all the good things in your life.

Let’s make this Thanksgiving your healthiest and happiest yet!

Love,

Rebecca xxx