It’s Okay to Indulge this Thanksgiving
By Madison Deluca
TW: This article discusses topics such as caloric intake and food guilt. Despite its uplifting tone, if you have experienced sensitivity with such subjects, be advised that this article may have triggering effects for you.
Endless stuffing, turkey, mashed potatoes, and of course apple pie with a spoonful of vanilla ice cream! What does that sound like? Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving definitely wins for the best holiday foods. I don’t know about you, but I always look forward to Thanksgiving whether it be the food, spending time with family, the football games, or all of the above! There is so much to be grateful for and focus on this holiday season, but dieting should not be one of them. Some people think that indulging in Thanksgiving dinner is not okay, but it definitely is!
Because after all, everyone knows that Thanksgiving is a meal worth enjoying.
Thanksgiving should be a time to be present with your loved ones, not a time to be focused on your calorie intake. When it comes to making your plate, try to be focused on the ones around you and the tasty food in front of you, rather than the macros associated with the food. Scoop the mashed potatoes onto your plate because you love their creamy-buttery taste. Pour the gravy on top of your turkey because that is the only way to make it taste good. Have a second slice of pumpkin pie because one was just not enough. Eat what you want, and remember that one day does not define you. Indulging on Thanksgiving day will absolutely not ruin your diet or negatively affect your health or fitness goals. In fact, enjoying the holidays is all part of living a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
I want to note that it is okay to be aware of what you are eating. However, it is one thing to be conscious about trying not to overeat and another to be completely focused on what is on your plate. Being mindful is different from being restrictive. It is okay to say you're stuffed and cannot eat that piece of pie, but don’t restrict yourself because you think you have eaten too much. I know it is a lot easier said than done, but changing your mindset about food on this big feast day will help change your mindset in the future. This change will help you eat mindfully, allowing you to enjoy your food more and stop before you’re painfully stuffed.
Remember, Thanksgiving dinner should make you feel warm and happy on the inside. Loved ones and lots of food surround you, so there is no time for stress and obsessing too much over the food. You get to eat delicious foods that you wouldn’t typically eat on a daily basis, so try not to spend your quality time this Thanksgiving counting calories or thinking too much about what you are putting in your body. Eat, indulge, and don’t stress because what other day of the year are you able to have this big of a feast surrounded by loved ones and gravy!
