Thanksgiving Wellness Tips: Clean Ingredients, Football Safety & Spine-Friendly Holiday Habits
Thanksgiving is all about food, family, and fun — but it can also come with stress, preservatives, and even unexpected injuries (looking at you, backyard football 🏈). At Abundant Health Chiropractic in Willowbrook, IL, we want you to enjoy a holiday that supports your health, not setbacks it.
Here’s how to make this Thanksgiving more nourishing for your body and spine:
🥘 1️⃣ Choose Clean Ingredients — No Fillers, No Preservatives
Many packaged Thanksgiving foods contain artificial additives that can irritate the gut, weaken immunity, and increase inflammation.
Try these healthier swaps:
• Real mashed potatoes instead of instant
• Fresh green beans instead of canned
• Homemade gravy without corn syrup
• Uncured, nitrate-free turkey when possible
• Use herbs like sage, rosemary & thyme to boost antioxidants
Your digestive system — and immune system — will thank you.
🔥 2️⃣ Protect Your Spine During Holiday Football
A little friendly competition is fun… until someone twists wrong and ends up in pain.
Keep the game safe with these alignment-friendly strategies:
• Warm up first (dynamic stretches > static stretching)
• Avoid awkward tackles and neck-down hits
• Engage core while running to protect low back
• Wear proper footwear for traction
• Hydrate to maintain muscle function
If anyone does take a hit — a post-game chiropractic adjustment can help reduce inflammation and restore mobility.
🪑 3️⃣ Support Your Body During Long Meals & Travel
Holiday sitting can strain the spine, especially the lower back and neck.
Spine-saving posture tips:
• Sit with hips slightly above knee level
• Keep shoulders relaxed, not hunched
• Take standing stretch breaks every 30–45 minutes
• Use a rolled towel behind the low back for support
Small adjustments = big comfort.
🧠 4️⃣ Reduce Stress & Focus on Gratitude
Chronic stress tightens muscles and throws posture out of alignment.
This season, practice simple gratitude-based wellness habits:
• Deep breathing before meals
• Unplug from screens while connecting with loved ones
• A short post-dinner walk to aid digestion & reduce tension
A calmer mind contributes to a healthier spine and immune system.
Celebrate a Healthier Holiday This Year
Whether you’re hosting, traveling, or playing QB in the family football bowl — your wellness matters.
