With Thanksgiving break coming up, student athletes want to enjoy their favorite meals while staying healthy and ready for the season to start back up. Eating too much or choosing the wrong meals could set you back.

Student athletes who want to enjoy Thanksgiving without affecting their performance for the season should follow a few simple tips. During the holiday, if you are at home or at family gatherings, it’s really important to eat balanced meals with vegetables, protein, and whole grains while watching your portions. Staying hydrated by drinking a lot of water helps keep energy levels up. During the break, short walks or quick workouts can help you stay active and fit. By following these tips, student athletes can celebrate Thanksgiving, enjoy time with family, and still stay healthy and ready for the upcoming season.

Thanksgiving meals usually include heavy foods like turkey, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, and desserts. Athletes don’t need to avoid these types of foods, but they should balance their plates. The recommended plate is half-filled with healthy options like vegetables, fruits, and lean protein. Drinking enough water is also important because many of the dishes are salty and can make athletes dehydrated. Eating slowly and stopping when full helps prevent you from feeling tired and drained.

A lot of professional athletes choose smart swaps; instead of white meat turkey, they would choose dark meat; baked foods instead of fried food; or fruit instead of extra dessert. Some even take short walks after eating to help digestion. One of the student athletes at Eleanor Roosevelt High School stated that “You can still enjoy your favorite foods, just don’t overdo it.” This shows that with a little control and planning, athletes can enjoy Thanksgiving while still taking care of their bodies and preparing for the rest of the season.