5 simple Thanksgiving holiday survival tips

Thanksgiving is one of the most prolific times of year when it comes to our capacity to consume food, especially candies and pastries, and yet there are simple tactics available to help you survive that won't leave you feeling defeated, ashamed, or simply worn out.

1. A simple way to ward off cravings when confronted with the inevitable deluge of sweet deities you're sure to encounter in the coming month is to take 3 deep breaths, then drink a glass of water. Check to see if the craving is still there and repeat as necessary.

2. Incorporate sweet vegetables in to your holiday feast, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, or even beets. Sweet vegetables will satisfy your cravings while providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber at the same time instead of robbing your body of essential nutrients as with refined sugar.

3. Make your desserts with natural sweeteners this year. Try agave, stevia, or brown rice syrup. Natural sweeteners are lower on the glycemic index, so they don't rush your blood system compared to their refined counterparts, and won't leave you craving more later on.

4. Create a nourishment menu and tack it to your fridge. A nourishment menu includes anything you like to do that is a non-food source of pleasure, such as reading, walking, or connecting with a friend. When cravings hit, check it and see if something on your list would satisfy you instead.

5. Don’t condemn yourself if a craving hits. Instead, deconstruct it and try to determine what’s behind it. Are you feeling overwhelmed or stressed out? Trapped in an uncomfortable conversation that's making you squirm? Feeling like you'd rather die than go to another annoying office party?

Often times when we have a craving, it's not actual food we want. Too many times we try to use food to fill a void it never can. But don't deny yourself! If there's a decadent treat you really want, go ahead and indulge. Because it's not about what you do every once in a while that matters - it's about what you do every day that really makes a difference.

Wellness With Angela