Health Thanksgiving

Shut your eyes, take a deep breath, and you can nearly catch the aroma of it now: the roasting turkey, homemade bread, fresh-baked pies, and the many other special treats we indulge in during the Thanksgiving holiday with loved ones. But for those who have to deal with the challenges of adhering to a particular nutritional plan, such as dictated by conditions like diabetes or other chronic medical conditions, Thanksgiving can easily feel more like a time of restrictions and limitations.

However, there are ways to enjoy a healthy Thanksgiving without overdoing it. These recommendations, provided by the Topeka caregivers at Grace Home Care, offer a great starting point:

  • Start the day with a nutritious breakfast. Though it could seem wise to not eat breakfast on Thanksgiving Day, to save room for the heavy meal to come, the truth is, a healthy breakfast is a must.
  • Try out a new recipe. There are a wide array of appetizing, healthier versions of customary Thanksgiving dishes. Try mashing cauliflower in place of potatoes, or roasting sweet potatoes with olive oil and cinnamon rather than serving super-sweet candied yams.
  • Lighten up on desserts. It wouldn’t feel like Thanksgiving without delicious home-baked desserts, and as long as the dietary plan allows it, a limited portion of one or two favorite desserts provides the pleasure of a sweet conclusion to the meal. Try to incorporate some fresh fruit as well.
  • Stop eating when you’re full. Considering that we often tend to overeat at Thanksgiving more than at other times, listen more closely to your stomach than your eyes. Although it is undeniably tempting to go back for seconds and even thirds during a holiday meal, our bodies inform us when we’ve had enough. Utilizing a smaller plate is also a great way to limit portion sizes and deter overeating.
  • Remember to exercise! Rather than slouching in the recliner for the remainder of the day, get up and going to burn off all of those calories. Go for a walk, or engage in some energetic games that the whole family can participate in together.

For more healthy Thanksgiving guidelines, contact the top Topeka home care team at Grace Home Care. We’re also on hand to offer assistance before, during and after the holidays to keep seniors healthy, safe and well. Just a few of the ways we can help include:

  • Picking up groceries and running other errands
  • Planning and preparing wholesome, delicious meals in line with seniors’ dietary plans
  • Providing accompanied transportation to family events and other outings, making sure the senior’s needs are fully met
  • Serving as a friendly companion to stave off isolation
  • And so much more

Call our Topeka caregivers any time at 785.286.CARE to learn more about services in your area.