There is nothing like Thanksgiving – you tend to forget about work deadlines and tick off your to-do lists for a couple of days surrounded by family, friends, and a plethora of great-tasting food. It can be difficult to pack a dose of wellness as you head home for the holidays.
Today is the perfect time to commit yourself to a holiday season that is healthy, happy, and well. While many people are overly concerned over the amount of calories they will consume, there are other health and safety considerations.
Dr. Sarah Kong, your Dallas dentist, and her team of dental professionals are here to share some ways you can make your Thanksgiving holiday more health and wellness conscious this year. Here are some tips.
1. Food safety
Do not spoil your holiday because of a food-borne illness. If you are in charge of food preparation, be sure that you always wash your hands and any surfaces you’ll be preparing food on. Separate ready-to-eat foods from raw meats. Lastly, ensure that food is cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F and is refrigerated for at least two hours.
2. Get moving
Make exercise a part of the day. Sure, eating delicious food and bingeing on your favorite show might sound tempting, but do your best to go outside and get moving. It is always a great idea for your overall health. You can make this a family activity – a road race, Turkey Trot, or a fun Thanksgiving run.
3. Keep up your healthy lifestyle
It’s Thanksgiving, and of course it’s nice to indulge a bit – but proceed with caution. Here are some tips to make your holiday meal healthier:
- Try using a smaller plate to help with portion control.
- Make sure that you eat a hearty breakfast. Don’t show up hungry!
- It is always a great idea to hydrate by consuming lots of water.
- Dessert is mandatory on Thanksgiving – just be sure to enjoy it in moderation!
4. Make relaxation and happiness your priorities
During the holidays, it can be overwhelming being surrounded by lots of people and tons of food. Use some of these tried-and-true techniques to feel relaxed and peaceful amidst your busy surroundings:
- If you need to lower your stress levels fast, meditate. All that you’ll need is a quiet space and a few minutes.
- Get lots of sleep the night before so you are well-rested and ready for the holiday.
- If you are a host and you feel overwhelmed, do some simple breathing exercises to calm yourself.
At the end of the day, this holiday is all about enjoying your time with family and friends, as well as celebrating and being grateful for your blessings.
If you need more information about wellness and oral care, feel free to get in touch with your best Dallas dentist at Dallas Dental Wellness.
