Here is a list of 10 tips for making your Thanksgiving weekend healthier.

1. Practice gratitude. Studies show that folks who make gratitude a daily practice open the door to more relationships, improve their physical health, psychological health, sleep better, are more empathetic, have better self esteem and mental resilience.
2. Plan to eat your Thanksgiving meal at midday or in the afternoon. This is when your digestive capacity is at its peak. Studies show that eating the bulk of your calories earlier in the day supports maintaining a healthy weight.
3. Plan several delicious plant based sides to add to your Thanksgiving meal. For healthy Thanksgiving food ideas, look here, here and here.
4. Eat breakfast on Thanksgiving morning. This has been shown to prevent over-eating later in the day.
5. Put veggies on your plate first. Take a larger portion of the healthier foods and a smaller portion of the less healthy foods.
6. Choose your indulgences mindfully and enjoy them. There is a time for feasting. Consciously enjoy your meal!
7. Slow down. Enjoy your food. Savor the flavors. Chew and swallow. Pause. Breathe. Repeat.
8. Drink digestive teas after your meal. Ginger tea, Cumin, coriander, fennel tea and licorice mint are all great choices. Here are some recipes.
9. Move your body after your big meal. Invite your friends and loved ones to take a walk after your Thanksgiving feast. This will give your metabolism a boost and lighten the load.
10. Eat lighter and greener on Black Friday. It's a good practice to pulse between festive meals and simple meals. After a day of rich celebratory eating, dial it back. Think healthy and simple like green smoothies and vegetable soups.

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