Happy Thanksgiving from Temple and Table! We bring grateful hearts to the table this year, in thanksgiving for your support and the many blessings we enjoy...Be Fed!

That my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever! [Psalm 30:12]

1. EAT REAL FOOD

Eat as much real food during the meal that you can, made with as many real ingredients as possible. Processed foods usually contain a very high sugar content, leading you to eat more and creating spikes in blood sugar. Trade boxed stuffing, canned cranberry sauce and cheesy casseroles for mashed cauliflower, roasted vegetables and fresh cranberry compote. Be indulgent on quality ingredients, not empty calories!

2. DON'T SKIP MEALS

"Saving" all of your calories for one large meal is not an effective strategy for the day. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and 16 oz. before eating a meal. Sometimes our body confuses thirst with hunger. Eat every 3 to 4 hours to maintain a healthy metabolic rate and blood sugar level. You can always take home leftovers of your favorites to enjoy throughout the week, so pace yourself!

3. MAINTAIN A BALANCE

Fill your plate with at least half vegetables and then fill in the remainder with protein and fat. It is better for your metabolism to digest carbohydrates combined with a protein source (hello, turkey...gobble, gobble!) and a fat, such as butter, olive oil, or avocado. It prevents blood sugar spikes and keeps you feeling fuller longer.

4. SLOW DOWN AND SAVOR

Start your meal with plant-based food first, before heading to the dessert table. Take a small taste of the sweets that you truly enjoy...and actually enjoy them. Savor each bite of food and chew your food well. Remember that digestion starts in your mouth, with the mechanical action of chewing and the chemical reaction with saliva. Don't bypass that important step by eating too quickly.

5. HAVE AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

We saved the most important tip for last: pray together as a family before eating. Studies show that giving 30 seconds of gratitude speeds up your metabolism and increases digestive enzymes. So, spend some moments in prayer before your Thanksgiving meal...and better yet, before every meal! We give thanks for you, our T+T supporters and friends!

BONUS TIP...GET MOVING!

Don't fall into the trap of sitting lazy on the couch. Enjoy a post-meal walk with your family or shoot some basketball in the driveway. Do something active together and feel-good endorphins will follow!

Coconut oil is expelled or pressed from mature coconut meat. Look for virgin coconut oil that is cold pressed, versus hydrogenated (avoid all hydrogenated oils, when possible). In the T+T kitchen, favorite uses are as a cooking oil, in baking and as a skin moisturizer.

SATURATED FATS:

Coconut oil is one of the only plant based sources of saturated fat. Comprised of roughly 65% medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), these type of saturated fats can be more easily digested and absorbed by the digestive system. Coconut oil may help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and increase HDL (or "good") cholesterol levels.

ANTIOXIDANTS:

With significant levels of Vitamins E and C, coconut oil has positive antioxidant activity. It has a protective effect on other healthy fats and tissues of our bodies. This is a reason why it is effective as a skin moisturizer and in beauty products.

SUGGESTED USES:

As a cooking oil. Use in rotation with unsaturated fat sources, such as olive and grapeseed oils. Pairs well with sautés of onions, greens and sweet potatoes.
As a baking oil instead of vegetable oil. Compliments sweeter dishes, such as our Apple Coconut Crisp.
Very effective as a skin moisturizer and natural eye makeup remover. You can find it as an ingredient in our T+T Lip Balm!