6 Heart-Healthy Thanksgiving Traditions For All Ages
Looking for ways to celebrate Thanksgiving with your family without compromising your health? We’ve put together a list of six fun traditions that promote wellness-boosting effects for yourself and your family over the holidays.
6 Heart-Healthy Thanksgiving Traditions For All Ages
1. Sign up for a Turkey Trot.
Participating in a Turkey Trot is a fun way to get moving during Thanksgiving week, while also raising money for a good cause. Many Turkey Trot runs are affiliated with local and national charities and welcome participants of all ages and walks of life -- so the whole family can get in on the fun! Many of these “races” are fun runs, with some being as short as 1k runs, all the way up to marathons. Looking for a Turkey Trot to participate in this year? Click this link and enter your location to find a run near you!
2. Volunteer & spread the love.
In the spirit of the season, why not share your gratitude by passing it forward to others? Not only will you be spreading positivity to your local community, but odds are that you will be left with a sense of fulfillment and purpose after proactively giving to others. You may even walk away feeling increasingly inspired and motivated, all of which boost not only your mood but both your mental and emotional wellness.
3. Bake a healthy dessert.
Do you lose all sense of self-control when you approach the dessert table? You’re not alone -- Many of us can’t help ourselves when it comes to delicious holiday treats. So why not try baking up a healthier version of your favorite holiday desserts? We suggest this Vegan Pumpkin Pie or this Vegan Maple Pecan Pie. Finding recipes that use healthy, whole foods and plant-based ingredients such as these two are essential to crafting a healthier dessert platter. Who knows, your newfound better-for-you dessert recipe may end up being passed down for generations in the future.
4. Hold a Thanksgiving scavenger hunt.
Exercise both your mind AND body by putting together a family (or even neighborhood) scavenger hunt. Get creative with the list, and make sure to hide things in various places that will require everyone to stretch their legs and get moving. A scavenger hunt can be educational for kids, and entertaining for adults. Whether you send everyone on a hunt for THE ACTUAL TURKEY, or you simply send them on a themed hunt, this is sure to get everyone up and moving while stirring up some good laughs. Looking for inspiration? Click here for a list of riddles and ideas to get those creative juices flowing.
5. Kick off a family football game.
There’s nothing quite like some friendly competition between family members… Right? If this isn’t a tradition of yours by now, this might be the year to start it. Get the family off their seats and bring them outdoors for some post-turkey fresh air and physical movement. Moving your body post-meal has been known as an excellent way to promote digestion, improve blood circulation and lower your blood sugar. Why not have some fun while you’re at it?
6. Mix up some hydrating drinks for the family!
What is Thanksgiving weekend without your favorite drink (or two… or three...)? Hey, we’re all about a healthy balance! If you’re looking to enjoy the festivities while minimizing the negative effects of alcohol, we suggest you whip up a hydrating cocktail infused with our electrolyte maple water -- it’ll keep you hydrated and will battle hangovers before they even begin. If you’re looking for healthier cocktail recipes, you might want to try our Hot Buttered Rum or our Spiked Cinnamon Maple Water Tea. You may even want to try boiling up a large pot of spiced cider for the kiddos -- infused with more maple water!
How do you like to stay healthy over the holidays? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Tag us on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our page.
By Lauren Kelly Bienko