Health And Wellness: Here Are Seven Tips For An Active And Healthy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love all the food, candy, family fun, Macy's Day Parade, naptime, and football.

While Thanksgiving is historically a time of fun and relaxation, more and more people are choosing a more active and healthy Thanksgiving. And there are many benefits: improved mood and energy levels (which can make your day even more enjoyable), better digestion, happier hips, knees and back, and you offset the extra calories you consume. .

If you want to be more active and healthy this Thanksgiving, here are seven tips to help you:

1. End your session

We are not designed to sit still for long periods of time. So, waking up frequently is an easy way to not only move throughout the day, but also prevent stiffness in your back, hips, and knees. I recommend waking up at least every 30 minutes.

This can be a fun "job" for a young child. Give them the responsibility of watching the clock and remind them to get up. This is probably the simplest and most effective strategy for avoiding pain and stiffness in your knees, hips and spine, and an easy way to stay a little more active this Thanksgiving.

2. Sign up for turkey.

Thanksgiving turkey is a popular event in many cities and can be a truly fun event for the whole family. The length of a turkey trot is usually 5 km or 3.1 miles.

If you can't register for the race, gather your friends and family and organize your own Turkey Trot in your area. This is a great way to get your blood flowing and lubricate your joints in the morning. Plus, it helps offset those extra Thanksgiving calories.

3. Stretch while flirting

Whether it's the Macy's Day parade, football, or both, it's easy to spend hours on a comfy couch or armchair. A really easy way to avoid sitting and resting for too long and incorporate healthy exercise into your day is to get up during commercials.

This is the perfect opportunity for a quick two-minute exercise or stretch. It doesn't have to be difficult. Choose from a quick series of squats, calf raises, planks or back rows. And it should be fun. Have a plank or squat competition with the most competitive members of your family. You know who they are.

4. Get dessert

Sure, you can skip dessert, but why not skip it? Skipping dessert instead of skipping it strikes a balance between pleasure and health. Plus, taking a walk after eating has many benefits. It aids digestion, regulates blood sugar and is good for your hips, back and knees.

Taking a walk after eating is an opportunity to give your muscles and joints a much-needed workout and stretch after sitting in a chair for a while. It's also one of the best and most natural exercises you can do for yourself, but it's especially nice to do after a big meal, like Thanksgiving, and before you go to bed.

5. Help with cleaning.

Feel free to "sit back and relax" just because you are a guest. Help with the cleanup (or setup) is an easy and effective way to get started during Thanksgiving. Not only will your Thanksgiving host love you, but so will your body.

If you have back problems, be sure to bend over carefully while washing or washing dishes, especially if this happens repeatedly. But otherwise, moving heavy dishes, chairs, and clearing tables can burn a lot of calories and is good for the body.

6. Moisturize

Staying hydrated is always important, but especially on a day like Thanksgiving. Proper hydration helps regulate digestion, which is especially important given the heavy and often fatty foods we tend to eat during the holidays.

In addition, water helps break down food, allowing for better absorption of nutrients and preventing digestive disorders. Proper hydration also helps maintain energy levels and keep your mind sharp. When it comes to appetite, we often confuse thirst with hunger. So, when you drink enough fluids, you can better control your portions and be less likely to overeat.

Staying hydrated not only supports your body's basic functions, but it also helps you make healthier choices, promoting a more balanced and enjoyable Thanksgiving.

7. Prepare healthy meals

Making traditional Thanksgiving recipes healthier is easier than ever. First, reduce the amount of sugar and salt in recipes and use natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup instead. When it comes to fillings and flours, choose whole grains over refined grains.

Eating more fruits and vegetables can boost the nutritional value of traditional dishes, and instead of ham, it's healthier to eat lean meats like turkey breast. Finally, watch your portions. Don't throw everything you see on your plate, even though it may be tempting, and eat slowly. The faster you eat, the more you tend to eat.

Here are seven simple tips to help make your Thanksgiving more active and healthy. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and can spend it with your loved ones.

Dr. Carrie Jose, a physical therapist and Pilates expert, owns CJ Physical Therapy & Pilates in Portsmouth and writes for Seacoast Media Group. To contact us or receive a free copy of Back Pain, visit www.cjphysicaltherapy.com or call 603-605-0402.

This article originally appeared in the Portsmouth Herald. Kerry Jose's health and wellness tips for an active and healthy Thanksgiving.

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