Can you believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner? I can’t! Time flies and before we know it, the holiday season will be over. So, let’s savor each day of the holiday season, enjoying the crisp weather, cute boots & comfy sweaters, the holiday music {it’s about that time for me to have Last Christmas by Wham! on repeat for the next two months!}, and the oh so delicious seasonal fare!

Trust me, I know all of the delicious food that awaits you, and I’m never one to slap you on the hand and tell you to “stayyy away from that”! But, I also know you are on a healthier path and want to avoid the negative consequences {i.e. feeling like you’ll have to spend 5 hours each day in the gym for the next week} that can often happen after a holiday meal. All it takes is being mindful of what you’re eating and consider these quick little tips!

1. Eat breakfast – Don’t skip breakfast to save up for the big meal. You’ll end up eating much more than necessary, causing you to feel sluggish, bloated and blah. Choose a breakfast full of fiber and protein, i.e. green smoothie, eggs with veggies, steel cut oats with fruit & cinnamon or hey…why not pumpkin pie French toast {see recipe below}!

2. Drink apple cider vinegar (ACV) – ACV stabilizes your blood sugar, helps control your appetite, and aids in digestion, in addition to a long list of many other health benefits! Look for Bragg organic apple cider vinegar, it’s the best. I typically drink 1 tbsp mixed with a full glass of water first thing in the morning. You can also drink it before the holiday meal, or some people like to drink it before each meal. If you’re just starting out and not sure how you’ll like the taste, use 1-2 tsp. You can mix with either warm or cool water, or you can even make a tea by adding it to hot water with a little honey.

3. Keep these general healthy eating tips in mind – Fill your plate with mostly veggies, enjoy a salad first, keep the portion of meat you eat to the size of your palm, slow down and chew your food thoroughly, and before reaching for seconds, consider waiting 20 minutes to see how hungry you still are.

4. Eat your favorite dessert – Yes, eat it! Enjoy it! I plan to thoroughly enjoy some pumpkin pie. I do, however, have some suggestions to enjoy without the guilt. First, don’t let your eyes do the picking for the slice size! Second, bake {or purchase} healthier treats. Here are some healthier baking suggestions:

• Use less sugar or better yet, use natural gentler sweeteners {i.e. honey, 100% pure maple syrup, stevia}
• Coconut or almond flour instead of white flour
• Coconut or almond milk instead of dairy
• Opt for sea salt instead of regular table salt
• Coconut oil instead of butter or real butter instead of margarine

There are tons of healthier recipes available for holiday desserts and dishes that taste just as good or actually better! Check out my holiday board on Pinterest for some ideas.

5. Enjoy the delicious food, but don’t make it the only focus/activity of the day – Incorporate some movement and fun like going for a walk, bike ride, or doing a turkey trot {going to my first one this year!}. Volunteer or play some games. Just don’t forget to take a moment to reflect on your blessings and give thanks for your family, friends, and all you have.

The goal is to have a thinner Thanksgiving strategy in place that will work for you. Combine whichever tips I listed to help you realistically enjoy the day healthier and without guilt.

ACTION STEP: I’d love to hear from you… what will your thinner Thanksgiving strategy be?  {Please share in the comment section below the recipe}

{Healthy!} Pumpkin Pie French Toast

pumpkin pie french toast

In addition to providing these 5 quick & easy tips for a thinner holiday, I had to share one of my fav pumpkin recipes! Not sure about you, but I’ve been going a bit pumpkin crazy.

Why include this seasonal squash fruit? {yes, it’s a fruit!} Pumpkin is crammed with antioxidants, vitamin C, beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium. Plus, we can’t forget about those pumpkin seeds. These seeds are a good source of omega-3s, iron, protein, and minerals like zinc and selenium.

I’ve been adding pumpkin to seriously everything lately and wanted to share one of my favorites…Pumpkin Pie French Toast, a healthy, tasty fall-inspired breakfast.

Yields: 2-3 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 organic eggs
• Ezekiel bread – 5-6 pieces
• 1 cup organic pumpkin (I used Farmer’s Market organic canned pumpkin)
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 100% pure maple syrup
• Pumpkin seeds
• Coconut oil

Directions:

1. Wisk together eggs, almond milk, pumpkin, & pumpkin pie spice in a mixing bowl.
2. Dip & coat both sides of bread with the mixture.
3. Add coconut oil to the skillet or griddle so bread won’t stick. (Add more oil as needed)
4. Over medium heat, cook on pan until golden brown. Flip and cook both sides.
5. Use pumpkin cookie cutter. (optional)
6. Top with organic 100% pure maple syrup, more pumpkin pie spice, & pumpkin seeds.

Enjoy!!

Warmly,