Thanksgiving Special!- Having a Healthier Holiday

On Cooking:

• Work with what’s locally in season for you…Which means winter squash, root vegetables and brassicas for most of us.

• If possible, get your turkey from a local producer, and even better if they are pastured and/or organic. Find some tips in this guide to buying a turkey.

• Consider going organic for some common Thanksgiving ingredients. Check out this great guide to buying organic for Thanksgiving for more information.

• It’s a holiday so of course you should keep one or two rich dishes, but consider going a little lighter on the rest of them (think more sweet potatoes and less heavy cream).

• Veggies sometimes get pushed to the side burner while potatoes, rolls, turkey, and gravy take center stage. Make sure there are plenty of veggies in your Thanksgiving spread (see the recipes below for some inspiration).

Try one of these simple recipes as-is, or get a little creative! 

• These Roasted Veggies are easy, and everybody will ask you how you made such a delicious dish! You can add just about any other spices and vegetables into the mix. I like to add other squashes or potatoes, large chunks of peppers, mushrooms and broccoli (make sure to add things with thin skins like peppers, mushrooms, & broccoli, about 20 minutes before the rest are done, since they need less time.)

• Think you hate brussel sprouts? Try this Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad and change your mind on these delicious, nutritious veggies. This is another “base” recipe that is easy to experiment with and add your own flair. I like to add chopped apples or pears, or try a Dijon Mustard or Honey Mustard Vinaigrette dressing.

On Eating:

Raise your hand if Thanksgiving often ends with you on the couch thinking “I really shouldn’t have eaten that much.” It’s a common problem, and there are plenty of things you can do to avoid that over-stuffed feeling after the meal. These portion control tips are helpful on holidays where we gather around food, but consider making them a part of your everyday eating habits!

• Take small portions and go back for more when you need. Don’t worry, if your thanksgiving is anything like ours, you won’t run out of food.

• Make vegetables your main dish, and meat your side.

• Try to eat slowly; actively engage in the conversations around you and put your fork down between bites. You’ll enjoy your food and your company more, while allowing your stomach to catch up with your brain to let you know you’re full before it’s too late.

After-meal activities:

What happens after you eat is just as important as what happens while you’re eating – here are a few tips to escaping the post-dinner food coma!

• Volunteer to clean up, you’ll be much appreciated, and won’t be tempted to pick at leftovers or have that second piece of pie.

• Before dinner starts, announce that you will be taking a stroll after the meal and invite anybody else who’s interested. Most likely, at least a few people will join you, making it more fun, and harder to back out of after you’ve eaten.

 

We wish you all a wonderful holiday filled with family, friends, and (most of all) great food!

Thanksgiving is coming up, and it’s a time of year that is filled with family, friends, and food. We are reminded at this time of year to, as the name suggests, give thanks for all of the good in our lives. It is also a time most associate with happy, though uncomfortable groans of over-stuffed bellies, and desperate diet tips the following week. So, while it’s ok to indulge every now and then, here are a few ways to do so in a healthier fashion, without compromising taste and tradition.