As Thanksgiving break is readily approaching, students are all too eager to go home and delve into their mom’s or other relative’s cooking – the mouthwatering stuffing with just all the right seasoning, the grand turkey, soft mashed potatoes, rich gravy, and sweet apple pie is just too much to resist.
Perhaps you can argue that this is the one time of the year that you are allowed to splurge on your favorite foods and to overlook those pounds gained over break. Sure, as soon as the holiday is over and you’re back at school, you are going to run to the gym and work it all off, right? Sounds like a wishful plan to me.
There is a healthier alternative for Thanksgiving lunch and dinners, however, and you can still eat a lot and be satisfied. A healthier Thanksgiving might make some people cringe and reluctant to give up their favorite foods, but it is not as bad as it sounds.
Instead of buying that 20lb. turkey, why not opt for a smaller, skinless turkey portion. The skin of the turkey will only contribute to the fat and cholesterol you will ingest. This way, you can eat more of the side dishes. Eat a greater variety of side dishes, but try to take a smaller portion. Eat a lot of those vegetables, cranberry slices, and baked potatoes. Eliminate the fried, creamy dishes such as the cheese casserole. Try putting less of sugar, cream, and half the number of marshmallows on the candied yams. For beverages, you can never go wrong w
ith water. Water will actually fill your stomach and not dehydrate your system as will coffee or alcoholic drinks. As for desserts, try eating that apple, cherry, or pumpkin pie without the whipped crea
m (opt for even fat-free cream) and powdered sugar. Also, try having an array of fruits and a vegetable platter available on the table.
If you’re a part of the cooking crew in the kitchen Thanksgiving morning, here are some other tips while making your delicious meals. Su
bstitute egg whites for whole eggs on the recipes or skim, 1% milk instead of whole milk. Try using less butter and for ice cream involved in desserts, use frozen yogurt instead.
With so many alternatives to a Thanksg
iving meal, there is no longer an excuse for not being able to conjure up a healthy dish! Of course the
pig in you will probably cause you to lose some battles and give in to the three slices of apple pie wi
th whipped cream and sugar and candied yams. But it’s okay to eat, drink, and merry this holiday – just don’t make it a daily thing!
Here’s to wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!
Photo courtesy: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15819420/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/
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