Happy Thanksgiving & Tips for Staying Healthy During Holiday Season in St. Louis

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to connect with family and friends over a festive meal, but it’s also a season that can challenge your health routine. At The Health & Wellness Center in St. Louis, Dr. Secil Schodroski and our team understand how important it is to enjoy the holidays without compromising on wellness. We’re here with practical tips to help our St. Louis patients stay balanced, healthy, and stress-free this Thanksgiving and throughout the holiday season.

A Healthier Thanksgiving in St. Louis

Keeping health a priority doesn’t mean giving up on holiday treats and traditions. Here are some ways to enjoy Thanksgiving while making mindful choices that support your well-being:

Tips for a Healthier Thanksgiving Feast

1. Start Your Day with a Balanced Breakfast

Instead of saving up calories for the big meal, start your Thanksgiving morning with a nutritious breakfast that includes protein, fiber, and healthy fats.

What to Eat: Try oatmeal with fruit, Greek yogurt with nuts, or eggs with veggies.

Why It Works: A healthy breakfast keeps your blood sugar stable and reduces the temptation to overeat later in the day.

2. Make Smart Choices at Thanksgiving Dinner

Fill your plate with a variety of foods, but aim to include plenty of vegetables, a portion of lean protein, and moderate portions of your favorite holiday sides.

What to Try: Balance your plate with roasted vegetables, turkey, and smaller servings of traditional sides like stuffing and mashed potatoes.

Why It Works: Balancing your plate allows you to enjoy the meal without overindulging, helping to maintain energy and avoid feeling overly full.

3. Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day

With rich foods and the possibility of alcohol, it’s easy to get dehydrated on Thanksgiving. Drinking water throughout the day keeps you feeling refreshed and can help prevent overeating.

What to Do: Drink a glass of water before meals and in between any alcoholic drinks.

Why It Works: Staying hydrated helps reduce bloating, supports digestion, and can help you feel more in control of your appetite.

4. Take a Post-Meal Walk in St. Louis

After your Thanksgiving meal, take a brisk walk around your neighborhood or one of the local parks here in St. Louis. It’s a great way to get fresh air and promote digestion.

How to Fit It In: Invite family or friends to join you for a quick walk after dinner.

Why It Works: Walking after a meal can help regulate blood sugar and improve digestion, making it easier to enjoy the rest of the holiday festivities.

ips for Staying Healthy Through the Holiday Season

Thanksgiving often marks the start of the holiday season, and it’s easy to let healthy habits slide until January. Here are some additional tips to keep your health on track in St. Louis through the New Year:

1. Prioritize Restful Sleep

Busy holiday schedules can disrupt sleep, but getting enough rest is essential for managing stress and supporting immunity.

What to Do: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Try winding down with a calming bedtime routine, avoiding screens, and setting a consistent sleep schedule.

Why It Works: Quality sleep keeps your energy up, supports balanced hormones, and improves overall well-being.

2. Manage Holiday Stress

The holiday season can be joyful, but it can also bring added stress from travel, family gatherings, and busy schedules. Finding ways to manage stress can make a big difference.

What to Try: Practice deep breathing, take breaks throughout the day, or spend a few minutes journaling to help process thoughts and reduce stress.

Why It Works: Managing stress supports heart health, keeps blood pressure in check, and improves mood, allowing you to enjoy the season.

3. Stay Active

It’s easy to skip workouts during the colder months, but staying active can help maintain physical health and improve mental well-being.

What to Do: Consider indoor workouts, join a local St. Louis fitness class, or take advantage of sunny days with a brisk walk outside.

Why It Works: Physical activity boosts energy levels, supports digestion, and helps balance holiday indulgences, keeping you feeling good all season.

4. Enjoy Holiday Treats Mindfully

The holidays are filled with delicious treats, from cookies to festive cocktails. Enjoy them in moderation, focusing on savoring the flavors rather than overindulging.

What to Try: Choose one or two treats to enjoy mindfully, and focus on savoring each bite.

Why It Works: Practicing moderation with treats allows you to enjoy holiday favorites without overdoing it.

Celebrate the Season with Health and Happiness at The Health & Wellness Center in St. Louis

At The Health & Wellness Center in St. Louis, we believe that a healthy holiday season is all about balance. Dr. Secil Schodroski and our team are here to support you, from managing holiday stress to staying active and setting health goals for the new year. We wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving and a joyful, health-filled holiday season!

Take Action for a Healthier Holiday Season

* Balance Your Plate: Focus on incorporating vegetables, lean proteins, and controlled portions for a balanced Thanksgiving meal.

* Stay Active: Enjoy walks, attend fitness classes, or explore outdoor spaces in St. Louis to keep moving.

* Prioritize Hydration and Rest: Drink plenty of water and aim for consistent sleep to stay energized.

About the Author

Dr. Secil Schodroski, DNP, FNP-C, is a certified family nurse practitioner and doctor of nursing practice with over 20 years of medical experience. Driven by her commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care, Dr. Schodroski founded The Health & Wellness Center in St. Louis, MO, where she proudly serves the St. Louis community and beyond.

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