FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – With the first feast of the holiday season this week, Sanford Health gives us tips and tricks for a fun and nutritious Thanksgiving.

Planning your meals ahead of time is important when considering healthier alternatives.

Some options are substituting your typical ingredients in your favorite recipes for low sodium, low fat options.

Adding vegetables to receipts is also a great way to get nutrients.

One of the healthier parts of your meal happens after the dishes are put away.

“And I know it’s going to get a little colder but taking a big jacket along and just making sure you go for a walk after a holiday meal that really helps kind of fend off the sleepiness that we get after a thanksgiving meal that can cause that defiant sleepiness after a big turkey dinner but also it helps lower your blood sugars.” Says Sanford Health Dietitian Linda Bartholomay.

Sanford notices a rise in patients who come in with high blood sugars over the holiday season.