It's just a week till Thanksgiving in Fayetteville AR. Will this holiday derail all your healthy eating plans and start you on the path to the annual weight gain and sluggishness and encourage all those New Year's resolutions?

Healthy Options in Fayetteville AR

The main dishes of Thanksgiving, turkey and vegetables, are healthy options. It's the other things we add that make it a challenge when you're trying to eat in a way that keeps your body healthy and happy.

Here are some suggestions:

• Set out roast turkey, fresh fruit and green salad, and vegetables cooked in simple ways, such as steamed green beans and roasted carrots. You can make these the biggest part of your meal, and others who choose to eat healthy can do the same.
• Add one or two of your family's favorite holiday dishes that don't fit your healthy lifestyle plans - maybe a favorite pie and Grandma's homemade rolls. Make sure these are the dishes your family members would really miss, not foods that tempted you in a magazine or less-favored dishes you have the habit of making.
• Make some changes on other items. If you know your aunt and uncle won't feel satisfied without gravy, try a lighter recipe. If you usually set out a box of chocolates, try putting out fruit and nuts instead. Chances are, no one will even notice as long as you don't change the major players.
• After the meal, head outside to play games or take a walk. Pack up leftover desserts and send them home with your guests so you can get back to your usual healthy eating right away. Enjoy leftover turkey in healthy soup or sandwiches with salad alongside.

Thanksgiving is about friends and family, spending time together and expressing gratitude. You won't miss the overeating if you decide not to make that a part of your holiday this year.