The hostess health guide SAVE A SEAT FOR YOURSELF THIS THANKSGIVING
F or many women, Thanksgiving begins long before the turkey enters the oven. There’s cleaning, decorating, grocery shopping, meal preparation and welcoming friends and family from far and wide. In the thick of planning and making that holiday magic, it can be easy to overlook one important person: yourself! As a dietitian, I see it happen often. Women spend the holiday running on caffeine and little bites of food while they’re cooking. They’re postponing meals until guests arrive, and what’s the result? Low energy, irritability, overeating later in the day and — perhaps the worst of it all — missing out on the true joy of the holiday If this sounds familiar, you deserve to soak up all the joy that the holiday season has to offer — period. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all way to enjoy a healthy Thanksgiving, but consider these tips for a well-balanced holiday with your crew: 1. DON’T SKIP MEALS The first step to feeling your best at Thanksgiving is to avoid skipping meals. Many people assume they should “save up” their calories for Thanksgiving dinner, but that doesn’t usually turn out the way you’d hope. Arriving at the Thanksgiving dinner table with an empty stomach can mess with your hunger cues and influence your food choices. Being overly hungry may cause you to overeat and leave you feeling uncomfortable. Instead, start your day with a balanced breakfast to keep your energy stable and help you stay satisfied longer. Try to include a mix of protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. You can even prepare a nutritious breakfast the night before so it’s waiting on you first thing in the morning. 2. STAY HYDRATED Hydration is another often-forgotten piece of wellness around the holidays. In the hustle and bustle of hosting duties, many women go hours without taking a sip of water. Keep a reusable water bottle nearby and sip regularly throughout the day. Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining your energy, especially during busy days when you're constantly on the move. 3. PLAN YOUR SNACKS If you’re going to be cooking for hours, intentionally plan snacks instead of relying on random bites and taste tests. Keep simple options on hand like cheese sticks, nuts, hummus with veggies or fruit. Charcuterie board, anyone!? BY CHELSEA RAE BOURGEOIS
4. DON’T BE AFRAID TO TAKE SHORTCUTS WHEN NEEDED. Healthy eating doesn’t have to mean making everything from scratch. If convenient options like frozen vegetables, pre-cut produce, store-bought cheese trays and pre-made side dishes help you eat well while saving time and reducing stress, that’s a win! Remember, guests are coming to enjoy your company — not to judge how every dish was prepared. This Thanksgiving, treat yourself with the same level of kindness and care you show to everyone around your table. When you nourish your body, stay hydrated and aim for balance over perfection, you’ll have more energy to enjoy what matters most: gathering around the table with the people you love.
BAKE-AHEAD PUMPKIN OATMEAL INGREDIENTS: • Avocado oil for greasing • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats • 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 teaspoon baking powder • ¼ teaspoon salt • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) • 1 cup milk of choice • 2 large eggs • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/3 cup honey • Optional topping of choice (I went with chocolate chips!) INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease an 8-by-8 baking dish with oil. 2. In a bowl, combine oats, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder and salt. Mix to combine. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, vanilla extract and honey. 4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. 5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly. 6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden. 7. Remove from oven and sprinkle on your topping of choice. 8. Let cool and enjoy!
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois is a registered dietitian nutritionist and the owner of Eat Well Gulf Coast. Reach her at info@eatwell- gulfcoast.com or on Instagram: @eatwellgulfcoast
November 2026
48
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator