Hosting a Stress-Free Thanksgiving That is Both Nourishing and Delicious
Hosting a Thanksgiving meal will no doubt take a little bit of work, but it doesn't have to be a stressful event. Instead of focusing on a day filled with turkey and gluttonous side dishes, change your perspective and reflect on what is most meaningful in your everyday life. Practicing an attitude of gratitude is good for your health and relationships, today and every day! Don't get us wrong, Thanksgiving is certainly a day that should be spent enjoying delicious food with your closest friends and family, but it is also a day to be thankful for your health!
Here are 5 tips for hosting an event that will help nourish your body and soul this Thanksgiving!
1. Plan simple dishes. This is not the time to try 10 new recipes or cooking with the intent of impressing your guests. Choose one dish to pour your efforts into and then choose simple side dishes. Even better yet? Simplify the menu! Only include your three or four most favorite dishes!
2. Stick with super foods. There are many foods that can make your meal healthy and even more enjoyable! Boost the nutrient quality of your meal by including all the colors of the rainbow; especially those packed with phytonutrients like pumpkin, sweet potato, cranberries, ginger and brussel sprouts! These foods will help you feel energized instead of exhausted after your meal.
Here are a few of our top picks:
Kale Salad with Roasted Cauliflower and Apple
Cranberry Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Seed Bark
3. Get in some exercise. Whether it's beginning your day with a turkey trot, spending the afternoon playing a backyard pick up game, or taking a walk between dinner and dessert, get your guests outside and get your blood pumping at some point in the day.
4. Prep before the big day. Planning ahead will ensure that your day goes smoothly and that you aren't running out the door for last minute ingredients or stuck waiting for that final dish to finish cooking. Whatever your menu entails, do as much work as you can ahead of time or delegate to your guests so you can enjoy your day with friends and family.
5. Let go of expectations. Even with the best plan, life can happen! Burnt the veggies? No big deal! Forgot the cranberry sauce? No one will miss it! Thanksgiving is not about presenting a flawless meal but about celebrating togetherness and expressing gratitude and enjoying moments with the ones you love most!