{"id":15325,"date":"2025-11-06T05:26:03","date_gmt":"2025-11-05T22:26:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=15325"},"modified":"2025-11-06T05:26:03","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T22:26:03","slug":"8-creative-non-food-ways-to-connect-with-loved-ones-this-thanksgiving","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=15325","title":{"rendered":"8 Creative Non-Food Ways to Connect With Loved Ones This Thanksgiving"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/shutterstock_734766289-1024x683.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Thanksgiving\u2019s a wonderful time to connect with family and friends,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/5-smart-strategies-for-filling-your-thanksgiving-plate\/\">enjoy your favorite recipes<\/a>, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/thanksgiving-day-tabata-workout-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">start new traditions<\/a>. If you\u2019ve been working hard to get in shape this year, the holiday weekend also provides a great opportunity to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/5-ways-active-holiday-season\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">share your active lifestyle with your loved ones<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>But it\u2019s difficult to disrupt the desire to graze or sit around all day with a trip to the gym or a jog around the block. So, get creative. Here are eight non-food ways to connect with your people and burn calories on turkey day.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ua-header shortcode boxed conform-height conform-mobile sm\">\n<h2 class=\"the-header conform-parent\">\n<div class=\"v-center\">\n<div class=\"v-center-in\">HAVE A FIELD DAY<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>Everyone loves field day, especially if you\u2019ve got a particularly competitive family. Ignite friendly rivalries and get your heart rate up with a set of active games and challenges before you dig in for dinner. Think: obstacle courses, balancing games, egg-and-spoon relay races, even musical chairs or tug-of-war. \u201cIt can be literally anything that gets people moving and enjoying themselves, so feel free to adapt activities to your own family\u2019s needs,\u201d says <a href=\"http:\/\/www.characterstrength.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alex Parry<\/a>, a certified personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ua-header shortcode boxed conform-height conform-mobile sm\">\n<h2 class=\"the-header conform-parent\">\n<div class=\"v-center\">\n<div class=\"v-center-in\">PLAY TEAM SPORTS<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u2018Tis the season for touch football \u2014&nbsp;and for good reason: \u201cSports are one of the best ways to get extra activity and movement in, and friendly competition can be a great way for a family to bond and learn to work together,\u201d says TJ Mentus, a certified personal trainer with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.garagegymreviews.com\/expert-panel#:~:text=wanted%20to%20be.-,TJ%20Mentus,-ACE%20Certified%20Personal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Garage Gym Reviews<\/a>. Head for your local park or backyard and choose a sport that\u2019s accessible for everyone who wants to join. A few to consider that only require a couple of supplies? Basketball, slow-pitch softball, soccer, wiffle ball, kickball, volleyball or badminton.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ua-header shortcode boxed conform-height conform-mobile sm\">\n<h2 class=\"the-header conform-parent\">\n<div class=\"v-center\">\n<div class=\"v-center-in\">GIVE THANKS WITH GRATITUDE YOGA<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>Why not add a little movement to your <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/monday-mindfulness-fuel-fitness-gratitude\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">gratitude practice<\/a>? To do this, host a&nbsp;group yoga session either in-person (look up events in your area!) or online (YouTube and many apps have many <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/the-best-free-yoga-videos-for-newbies-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">free classes<\/a>&nbsp;available with trained yogis), says&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.algaecal.com\/expert-insights\/author\/monica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Monica Straith<\/a>, a certified personal trainer. With each breath in (at least for the first few breaths of each pose), think of something you\u2019re thankful for. With each breath out, release any negative energy. And at the end of the session, take time to reflect on all of your blessings, filling yourself with positive energy.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ua-header shortcode boxed conform-height conform-mobile sm\">\n<h2 class=\"the-header conform-parent\">\n<div class=\"v-center\">\n<div class=\"v-center-in\">TAKE A HIKE<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>Connect with nature, breathe easier, and enjoy crisp fall weather by taking a hike with family and friends. \u201cYou can choose flat terrain for a leisurely stroll or find a mountain to hike up for a bigger calorie burn,\u201d says&nbsp;Jody Braverman, a certified personal trainer. To make it more of a special tradition, consider choosing a hike with memorable features like a panoramic view or waterfalls. Another fun touch: \u201cLast person down the hill has to clean up after Thanksgiving dinner,\u201d says Braverman.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"ua-header shortcode boxed conform-height conform-mobile sm\">\n<h2 class=\"the-header conform-parent\">\n<div class=\"v-center\">\n<div class=\"v-center-in\">GO ICE SKATING<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>Sure, it\u2019s a little early for&nbsp;ice skating&nbsp;season, but that could be to your benefit: There\u2019s more space for you and your people to enjoy the rink! \u201cWhether outdoors or in, one of my favorite things to do around the holidays is to go ice skating,\u201d says Braverman. \u201cFor a few bucks, you can rent a pair of skates and get a good lower-body workout. You\u2019ll also work your core muscles laughing at your friends and family trying to stay upright on the ice.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"ua-header shortcode boxed conform-height conform-mobile sm\">\n<h2 class=\"the-header conform-parent\">\n<div class=\"v-center\">\n<div class=\"v-center-in\">JOIN A POP-UP GROUP FITNESS CLASS<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>Something you might not know if you\u2019re not a regular gym-goer? \u201cMany gyms and communities host free Thanksgiving workouts in exchange for a food donation,\u201d says&nbsp;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.fitfamilypt.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Carrie Hall<\/a>, a certified personal trainer. You can give back and get a free sweat session in one stop. To find out what your options are for&nbsp;group fitness classes, check out your area\u2019s events site or call your local gym.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ua-header shortcode boxed conform-height conform-mobile sm\">\n<h2 class=\"the-header conform-parent\">\n<div class=\"v-center\">\n<div class=\"v-center-in\">HAVE A TURKEY-THEMED SCAVENGER HUNT<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>For an activity the kids will love, plan a turkey day-themed scavenger hunt. \u201cYou can hide several paper turkeys around the house and have everyone look for them with a prize at the end for the winner,\u201d says&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.trainwithkickoff.com\/coaches\/john\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">John Gardner<\/a>, a certified personal trainer and online fitness coach. \u201cTo make it extra active, add a small fitness routine to the back of each turkey such as 10 jumping jacks or 10 squats.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"ua-header shortcode boxed conform-height conform-mobile sm\">\n<h2 class=\"the-header conform-parent\">\n<div class=\"v-center\">\n<div class=\"v-center-in\">TAKE PART IN A TURKEY TROT<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>For a tradition that could help keep you active in the weeks and months leading up to Thanksgiving, consider signing up for a turkey trot. \u201cThese are often for all ages and all activity levels with distances ranging from toddler dashes to 10Ks,\u201d says Hall. Pro tip: \u201cMake sure to pre-register to get any Thanksgiving swag.\u201d To prepare for the big day or keep it up long after the holidays, join a walking&nbsp;or&nbsp;running group.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ua-header shortcode boxed conform-height conform-mobile sm\">\n<h2 class=\"the-header conform-parent\">\n<div class=\"v-center\">\n<div class=\"v-center-in\">THE BOTTOM LINE<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p>Thanksgiving doesn\u2019t have to be all about food. To&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/can-walking-more-help-you-lose-weight\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">up your step count<\/a>, and&nbsp;spend quality time together, start a new family tradition to move more together.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><strong>Ready to take the next step?<\/strong> Unlock <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.myfitnesspal.com\/premium\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">MyFitnessPal Premium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and get access to tools like Meal Scan, Barcode Scan, Voice Log and more!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em>Originally published November 2021<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/creative-non-food-ways-to-connect-with-loved-ones-this-thanksgiving\/\">8 Creative Non-Food Ways to Connect With Loved Ones This Thanksgiving<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\">MyFitnessPal Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.myfitnesspal.com\/creative-non-food-ways-to-connect-with-loved-ones-this-thanksgiving\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thanksgiving\u2019s a wonderful time to connect with family and friends,&nbsp;enjoy your favorite recipes, and&nbsp;start new traditions. If you\u2019ve been working hard to get in shape this year, the holiday weekend also provides a great opportunity to&nbsp;share your active lifestyle with your loved ones. But it\u2019s difficult to disrupt the desire to graze or sit around &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15325","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15325","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=15325"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15325\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=15325"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=15325"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=15325"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}