November marks the American tradition of Thanksgiving. This holiday, happening just before the burden of consumerism hits us in December, is a day to step back and consider the things for which you’re grateful.

As winter rolls around, days get shorter, and sweaters come out of the
closet to bundle up against the cold, our bodies crave comfort food. Most comfort food is rich and fatty and the exact opposite of what we would consider healthy eating. How can you make sure your girls can eat the foods they crave to feel satisfied and still healthy this winter? Here are a few ideas to consider.

Healthy Soups
Soups can be one of the most nutritious wintertime foods available to us. If you buy commercially made soups, try to pay attention to the sodium content. Otherwise, soups are packed full of nutrients from vegetables to protein. And with so many brands and types, you can pick the flavors your kids are sure to love.

You can also make soup at home on your stove top or in your slow cooker. That way you are in control over the ingredients your daughters eat. Check out these healthy soup recipes online. And, an insulated thermos works well to keep soups warm until lunchtime at school.

Weekend Meal Prep
If you do decide to make your own soups, or other hearty but healthy dishes such as turkey chili, try weekend meal prep. If you dedicate a little time over the weekend, you won’t feel like you’re wasting time each day trying to put together a healthy lunch.

Meal prep is also something you can do with your daughters involve them in the cooking process. Depending on your daughter’s age, you can let them help measure or even chop ingredients.

Build a Better Sandwich
The sandwich, of course, is a staple for brown bag lunches, but they’re not always the healthiest choice. With processed meats and white bread, your daughters are missing out on the balanced meal they deserve to keep their energy up this winter.

Instead, you can build a better sandwich with some simple changes.

For example, start by swapping out your white bread for whole-grain bread. Or you can build a sandwich on a whole grain tortilla or even a lettuce leaf and skip the bread all together. You can avoid deli meats
by cooking up chicken breasts over the weekend to slice and use for sandwiches. And don’t forget to the load the sandwich up with vegetables. You can also use a meat-free protein like nut butters or hummus. Here are some more ideas for healthier sandwiches.

Thanksgiving Ideas
While the day has become focused entirely around food, if you want to teach your daughters healthier choices, you can switch gears and concentrate on gathering and gratitude.

Instead of the complete Thanksgiving spread with a 20-pound turkey and all of the sides, consider scaling back. Or host your Thanksgiving dinner as a potluck to encourage your family or friends to bring their favorite holiday dishes. No matter what plans you made for the day, make sure you take time for everyone gathered to share what they’re most grateful for in their lives.

How will you celebrate Thanksgiving and focus on healthier eating this winter?