What to Do if You Over-Indulge This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy good food and celebrate with loved ones, but it’s easy to over-indulge during the holiday. If you eat more than planned, don’t stress—it happens to the best of us! The critical thing to remember is that Thanksgiving is just one day. Even if your celebrations stretch beyond the holiday, a few days of indulgence won’t derail your long-term health goals.
Here are three ways to bounce back after over-indulging:
1. Commit to Getting Back on Track
Don’t let a Thanksgiving binge turn into a holiday season of overeating. Commit to resetting as soon as possible. Restock your pantry and fridge with nutritious foods, and use your leftovers healthily. You can top a salad with leftover turkey or use extra vegetables in a nutritious omelet. Prioritize exercise by moving your body and returning to your regular fitness routine. The sooner you return to your healthy habits, the less impact one indulgent day will have.
2. Avoid Overcompensating
It can be tempting to try to “make up” for overeating by pushing yourself with extra cardio or jumping into an overly restrictive diet. However, returning to your usual routine is the healthiest way to recover. Focus on getting 30-60 minutes of exercise daily, and incorporate balanced meals with lean proteins, whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables. The key is to restore balance without punishing yourself or your body.
3. Let Go of Guilt
Feeling guilty about over-indulging won’t help you move forward. Instead of dwelling on what you ate, focus on the present and be thankful for the holiday memories you’ve made. Give yourself grace, acknowledge that you’re mindful of your health, and celebrate your efforts to improve your lifestyle. By being kind to yourself, you’ll feel more empowered to recommit to your healthy habits without guilt.
Over-indulging on Thanksgiving doesn’t have to mean losing sight of your health goals. You can maintain a balanced and healthy mindset by committing to getting back on track, avoiding the temptation to overcompensate, and releasing any guilt. Most importantly, remember that wellness is a long-term journey. Enjoy the holiday, give yourself room to indulge, and refocus on what truly matters—feeling good and living well. Have a happy, healthy holiday season!
