Celebrating Thanksgiving: Tips on Turkey, Eating Intuitively, and Staying Safe

Many states are seeing COVID-19 cases on the rise with new restrictions on the number of people allowed to gather together.

Thanksgiving this year will look and feel different however, there are still many safe ways that you can celebrate this festive holiday without compromising tradition. And even though Thanksgiving gatherings will be smaller, sharing the holiday meal with your family is always special.

Cooking a Thanksgiving meal that the whole family will enjoy takes a lot of effort, but when you see all your loved ones enjoying the food you prepared, it feels worth all the time spent on it. The turkey, also known as the “star of the show,” is the center of the Thanksgiving table. Here are some tips to ensure your turkey is moist and delicious.

5 Tips on Cooking the Perfect Turkey

It can be intimidating trying to cook the perfect turkey, but also so rewarding when it comes out exactly right. These tips will be sure to impress your family when they take their first bite. Whether you are a pro at cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving, or it is your first time, these tips will point you in the right direction!

Cook the stuffing separately: By cooking the turkey and the stuffing separately, the risk of harmful bacteria growing on the stuffing is reduced greatly. It also lessens the chance of the stuffing becoming too soggy!

Invest in a meat thermometer: The internal temperature of a fully cooked turkey should read 165 degrees F. Instead of eyeballing it, use a thermometer and stick it in the thickest and thinnest part of the bird for an easy way to know when to take the turkey out of the oven.

Decide on the right-sized turkey: There are many different sizes and kinds of turkeys, but since your Thanksgiving will likely be fewer people this year, try going with a smaller turkey.

Ditch the basting: The more times you baste, the more times you must open your oven, which can lead to temperature fluctuations. An easier method is to lather oil all over the turkey before putting it into the oven.

Let the cooked turkey rest: To retain the most flavor and juiciness, allow the cooked turkey to rest before starting to carve it.

Savor the Meal: Eating Intuitively

Since preparing and cooking Thanksgiving dinner takes so much time and effort, don’t shy away from savoring it! Although it may seem daunting with so much food on the table, there is no need to deprive yourself this holiday season.

Being an Intuitive Eater means listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues so you can enjoy all of the delicious food that is offered. Listening to your body takes practice and patience, but you deserve to eat the foods you prepared while eating intuitively.

Learn more about Intuitive Eating HERE.

5 Tips to Stay Safe This Thanksgiving

Follow these safety tips to make your Thanksgiving meal safer for you and your loved ones.

Wear a mask: This one should be obvious by now but wear a mask whenever you aren’t eating if possible. Make sure the mask covers your mouth and nose and fits snugly.

Wash your hands: Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If that is not available, always make sure to keep hand sanitizer with you to use.

Keep your distance: Stay at least 6 feet from people that you do not live with, especially from those who are more at risk if they contract the virus. This is especially pertinent for gatherings with those with whom you are not normally with.

Limit the number of guests: Although Thanksgiving is normally a holiday in which large family gatherings are common, this year it is advised to limit guests to decrease the potential spread of the virus.

Host outdoors if possible: Hosting an outdoor meal is a great option for those that can (weather permitting). Even if the meal is outside, the number of guests should still be limited.

Celebrating Thanksgiving should be joyful, not stressful. Now that you have learned some pointers on how to cook the perfect turkey and how to keep you and your loved ones safe, I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Your Turn To Take Action: What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish? Let me know in the comment section below.