Skip to content

Keep Moving For A Happy, Healthier Thanksgiving

Active family on fall dayThanksgiving is an opportunity for friends and family to gather and enjoy special time together. For some, this may involve traveling some distance, either in a car or plane. Being cramped up in that small space for hours, without movement, is a recipe for disaster-and back pain! And as the day goes on, you and your aching back need to sit down at the overladen table, and pile your plate high with carb-heavy items and sugar-filled desserts. By the time you push yourself away from the food, your joints have become stiff and painful—and looking at the scale tomorrow might even make it worse!

Thanksgiving Day Activities

Thanksgiving usually means a lot of food and, in many households, hours spent watching the parade and football games. All this food and inactivity takes a toll on the body’s function and flexibility. Instead of watching football on TV, an impromptu game of touch football in the backyard is a great option. If snowy weather is in the forecast, why not have a snowball fight? Whatever activities your family enjoys most, as long as you’re moving, are helping your body stay healthier, which is really something to be thankful for.

Make Healthier Choices

No one wants to count calories on Thanksgiving Day—and you don’t have to. Making better choices lets you enjoy the dishes that make the holiday special for you. Here are some suggestions: Load up on turkey—turkey is a great source of protein, rich in vitamins and minerals, and is low-fat-just don’t eat the skin. It’s rich in B-complex vitamins niacin, B6, B12, choline, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, zinc, and selenium. Add pumpkin to the menu—in addition to beta carotene, pumpkins are good sources of vitamins C and E, iron, and folate—which all strengthen your immune system. Don’t overeat—while the temptation to try “just a bit” of everything on the table may be strong, chances are you’ll regret it later. Limit alcohol—most alcoholic beverages have high calorie counts. Even worse, they increase inflammation throughout the body. If you must imbibe, limit it to 1-2 drinks.

Before and After Travel

If you know you’re going to be traveling, a visit to the chiropractor before you leave might help prevent some pain and discomfort. By starting treatment now, you help prevent stiffness, and improve the flexibility of your body, in time for your day of indulgence. And when you return home, we’re here if you need additional care. We hope you have a happy, healthy holiday!

Add Your Comment (Get a Gravatar)

Your Name

*

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *.