Healthy Holidays: Sarah Bowmar’s Tips for a Balanced Thanksgiving
For most of us, Thanksgiving is all about abundance—a full table, a full heart, and sometimes a little too much pie. But for fitness expert, nutritionist, and entrepreneur Sarah Bowmar, it’s also about finding balance.
She believes the holidays should be enjoyed, not survived, and that a healthy lifestyle has room for both mashed potatoes and mindfulness. “Health isn’t about restriction,” Sarah says. “It’s about making choices that let you feel your best and enjoy every moment with the people you love.”
Savor the Favorites You Love Most
When Thanksgiving rolls around, Sarah doesn’t skip dessert or weigh every bite. Instead, she focuses on being intentional. “Pick the dishes that mean something to you—the ones you truly enjoy—and skip the ones you’re eating just because they’re there,” she advises. “You don’t have to say yes to everything.”
Her personal plate usually includes a mix of protein, veggies, and one or two indulgent favorites. “Turkey, green beans, and a little sweet potato casserole—that’s my perfect balance,” she says.
The key? Slow down and savor each bite. “When you actually taste your food, you end up satisfied with less,” Sarah adds.
If you’re looking to add some new healthy recipes into your Thanksgiving rotation, check out some of Sarah’s favorites here. Don’t miss the Turkey Cheesy Rice Casserole or the Pumpkin Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars!
Keep Moving, But Make It Fun
Sarah’s not one to preach about hitting the gym on Thanksgiving morning. She’d rather concentrate on movement that feels good.
That might mean a morning walk with the family, a friendly game of touch football, or her personal favorite: backyard playtime with her kids. “Activity doesn’t have to be a punishment for what you eat,” she says. “It’s just a way to boost energy and make memories.”
If you’re traveling, she suggests packing resistance bands or doing quick bodyweight workouts in your room—even 10 minutes of movement can reset your mood and metabolism.
Hydrate Like You Mean It
Between travel, cooking, and a glass or two of wine, hydration often takes a back seat. Sarah’s fix is simple: drink a full glass of water before each meal.
She also loves adding Bowmar Nutrition’s Greens or Immunity Support powders to her daily routine. “They’re an easy way to stay on track even when your schedule’s packed,” she explains.
If you’re someone who forgets to hydrate, she recommends setting a reminder on your phone or carrying a large reusable bottle with you all day.
Create New Traditions Around Gratitude
For Sarah, a healthy holiday isn’t just about food or fitness; it’s about mindset.
Each year, she and her husband, Josh, take a few minutes on Thanksgiving to talk about what they’re most grateful for. “It’s such a grounding moment,” she shares. “It reminds you why you’re all together in the first place.” They’ve also made it a family tradition to get outside after dinner, whether it’s a short hike or just stepping onto the porch to watch the sunset. “Gratitude and fresh air are the best stress relievers,” Sarah says.
If you’re celebrating with kids, she suggests having everyone write one thing they’re thankful for on slips of paper, then read them out loud before dessert.
Balance, Not Perfection
Sarah is quick to remind her followers that one meal doesn’t define your health—consistency does.
“Thanksgiving isn’t the problem. It’s what happens between Thanksgiving and Christmas that really matters,” she says with a laugh. “Enjoy the day, then get right back to your normal routine.” And that’s really her secret: balance without guilt.
Sarah’s go-to advice? “Start small. Drink your water. Move your body. Get some sunlight. You’ll feel better almost instantly.”
The Takeaway
If there’s one thing Sarah wants people to know this holiday season, it’s that health doesn’t mean missing out—it means being present.
“Don’t spend the day counting calories or feeling bad about enjoying food,” she says. “Focus on the company, the laughter, the moments you’ll remember.” Because in the end, a balanced Thanksgiving isn’t about perfect portions; it’s about gratitude, connection, and taking care of yourself inside and out.
