Detox Your Thanksgiving
We may not be able to help you avoid those toxic relatives, but here are some great ideas for detoxing the big meal. 
- Don't gobble antibiotics. Choose a heritage, sustainable or organic turkey instead. Factory raised turkeys are fed a steady diet of grain and supplements like antibiotics. Check out our favorite recipe for the perfect bird.
- Take a can-don't attitude with the green bean casserole. According to a recent Consumer Reports test, canned foods contain harmful amounts of the gender-bending chemical BPA. If you must make green bean casserole, consider fresh or frozen beans. That goes for the cranberries and pumpkin, too.
- Do the mashed potato, organic style: Lighten your pesticide load by going organic with your Thanksgiving produce. LocalHarvest.org is a great resource for locally sourced, fresh produce. You may even be able to find an organic turkey.
- Skip the turkey altogether and go vegan. Vegan and vegetarian turkey alternatives have come a long way. Check out these options for a meat-free Thanksgiving meal.
- Think inside the box. If you aren't going to make gravy and broth from scratch -- and who can blame you, consider the boxed varieties, instead of canned.
- Rethink the non-stick. Non-stick cookware, when heated, can release toxic particles and gasses. Cast iron, glass bakeware, and stainless steel are safer alternatives.
- Avoid leftover exposure. When it's time to reheat and rehash, make sure to use glass or ceramic containers in the microwave. Studies show that plastic containers can release dangerous levels of BPA when heated in the microwave.
- Take a moment to relax. Holidays can be extremely stressful, especially if you're the one everyone counts on for the big meal. Find a quiet place and give yourself at least 10 minutes during the day to calm your mind.Check out these great strategies for working meditation into a busy day.
- Exercise before the big meal. Burn some extra calories before you sit down to the meal. It's better for you, and will relieve any guilt you might feel about indulging.
- Watch portions and alcohol. Enjoy your favorite foods and drinks using common sense and moderation. Give yourself about 20 minutes before you reach for a second helping. It takes awhile for the chemical signals from your stomach to let your brain know that you're full.
- Be thankful. Think about how blessed you are to even be sitting down to a delicious meal. There are so many things to be grateful for. Friends, family, a roof over your head. Focus on what you have instead of what's missing.
