Easy Ways to Make Healthier Food Feng Shui Choices on Thanksgiving
Here are some easy tips for making healthier food choices with a Feng Shui perspective:
1. Balance the Five Elements:
In Feng Shui, there are five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Try to incorporate a variety of foods representing these elements.
For example:
- Wood (Green): Include leafy green vegetables and fresh herbs in your salads.
- Fire (Red): Serve dishes with vibrant red fruits and vegetables like tomatoes and cranberries.
- Earth (Yellow, Brown): Opt for whole grains, legumes, and root vegetables like sweet potatoes.
- Metal (White, Metallic): Include white vegetables like cauliflower and garlic.
- Water (Blue, Black): Serve blueberries or blackberries as desserts.
2. Choose Lighter Cooking Methods:
Opt for healthier cooking methods like baking, grilling, steaming, or sautéing instead of frying. These methods use less oil and retain more nutrients in the food.
3. Incorporate Fresh Ingredients:
Use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to enhance the overall energy of your dishes. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs add vitality and brightness to your meals.
4. Mindful Portion Control:
Encourage mindful eating by serving food on smaller plates. This not only helps with portion control but also creates a sense of abundance without overindulgence.
5. Include a Variety of Dishes:
Offer a variety of dishes with different colors, textures, and flavors. This not only adds visual appeal but also ensures a diverse range of nutrients.
6. Limit Sugary Treats:
Minimize the use of refined sugars in your desserts. Opt for natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or stevia to create healthier dessert options.
7. Hydrate with Infused Water:
Serve infused water with fruits and herbs instead of sugary sodas. This not only keeps your guests hydrated but also adds a touch of freshness and positive energy.
8. Practice Gratitude:
Before the meal, take a moment to express gratitude for the food. This mindful practice aligns with the principles of Feng Shui and enhances the overall positive energy of the gathering. Try my helpful gratitude journal.
9. Encourage Sharing:
Family-style dining encourages sharing and unity. It aligns with the Feng Shui principle of fostering harmonious relationships.
10. Mindful Cleanup:
Clean up mindfully after the meal, clearing away clutter promptly. This promotes positive energy flow in your home.
11. Healthier Food Menu Choices:
- Turkey – It’s a good #1 choice if cooked with butter, or olive oil, or even avocado oil. or just get a Butterball! Use a little olive oil and spices like thyme and sage, garlic and fruits for a tasty, but healthier meat
- Sweet Potatoes – Swap mashed potatoes and sweet potato casseroles for a simple baked sweet potato. They are full of flavor, vitamins, and fiber, without the fat.
- Fresh Vegetables – Even veggies can be bad for you if you cook them in butter. Ditch the green bean casserole and corn and serve steamed veggies or a salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Rolls – If you must have bread with your meal, make sure it is whole wheat, gluten-free perhaps, so you get the nutrients you need from it. Either skip the butter altogether or add a small amount of smart balance light or a similar butter-tasting product.
- Dessert – Try fruit, sugar-free pudding, no-sugar-added apple pie or a low-fat pumpkin cheesecake to end on a sweet note without ending your diet. With a little extra effort, you can make a healthy Thanksgiving meal.
- Striking a balance is important. And if you aren’t the one cooking, bring a healthy dish or two to share.
By incorporating these tips, you can create a healthier Thanksgiving meal while embracing the positive energy and balance promoted by Feng Shui.
Happy Thanksgiving Friends.
Originally posted 2012-10-06 10:00:00.
