Tag: Thanksgiving

Healthy Thanksgiving Plate

Making healthy choices during the holidays can be difficult. Here are some tips for a healthy food choices using the plate format:

VEGETABLES

Fill ½ of your plate with vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, broccoli, salad, brussel sprouts, or asparagus.
Avoid casseroles or dishes that have heavy creams, sauces, butter, or crusts.
If your table is low on vegetables, consider adding fruit to this half of your plate. Cranberries, baked apples, and pears are good options.
GRAINS

Fill ¼ of your plate with starches such as stuffing and sweet potatoes.
Other choices for this section may include: mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or corn pudding.
Skip the bread or rolls.
PROTEIN

Fill ¼ of your plate with lean turkey slices (approx. 3-4oz).
Avoid dark meat, including drumsticks.
Remove the skin from the turkey before eating.
Instead of gravy, use a fruit-based relish special kick.

holiday_plate

 

Leftover Turkey Barley Soup

I love this time of year and the holidays!  I especially enjoy using the leftover turkey for healthy meals.  Since the weather in the northeast has been cold and snowy, it made perfect sense to make soup with the turkey.  It turned out absolutely delicious and did not take much effort.

turkeysoup

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbsp. Minced Garlic
  • 1/2 – 1 Cup Chopped Celery
  • 1 Cup Chopped Carrots
  • 1 Cup Leftover turkey, chopped or shredded
  • 32 oz. Low Sodium Chicken Broth
  • 1/2 Cup Barley, uncooked
  • 1 Cup Water
  • 1-2 Dashes Black Pepper, Dried Basil and Parsley

DIRECTIONS:

In a large stock pot, heat oil and sauté garlic and celery.  Stir in carrots and turkey and heat for a couple of minutes.  Add broth, water, barley and spices.  Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat.  Reduce heat and let simmer for an hour or until vegetables are tender.  Makes 8 servings.

NUTRITION INFO:

96 Calories, 3 g fat, 1 g sat. fat, 12 mg cholesterol, 69 mg sodium, 9 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 9 g protein

 

Skinny Pumpkin Pie in a Cup

Wow! It tastes just like pumpkin pie and only 80 calories!  Therefore, the name skinny pumpkin pie in a cup.

pumpkinpiecup

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 1 box sugar-free butterscotch instant pudding mix
  • 1-1/2 cup skim milk
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup fat-free whipped topping

DIRECTIONS:

In a large bowl, whisk the pudding mix and milk together until thickened.  Refrigerate for 5 minutes.  Stir in the pumpkin and spices.  Fold in the whipped topping.  Serve in a glass cup.  Makes 4 servings.

NUTRITION INFO:

80 Calories; 0 Fat; 16 gm Carbohydrate; 1 gm Fiber; 4 gm Protein

Healthy Thanksgiving Plate

Making healthy choices during the holidays can be difficult.  Here are some tips for a healthy food choices using the plate format:

 VEGETABLES

  • Fill ½ of your plate with vegetables, such as carrots, green beans, broccoli, salad, brussel sprouts, or asparagus.
  • Avoid casseroles or dishes that have heavy creams, sauces, butter, or crusts.
  • If your table is low on vegetables, consider adding fruit to this half of your plate.  Cranberries, baked apples, and pears are good options.

GRAINS

  • Fill ¼ of your plate with starches such as stuffing and sweet potatoes.
  • Other choices for this section may include: mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or corn pudding.
  • Skip the bread or rolls.

PROTEIN

  • Fill ¼ of your plate with lean turkey slices (approx. 3-4oz).
  • Avoid dark meat, including drumsticks.
  • Remove the skin from the turkey before eating.
  • Instead of gravy, use a fruit-based relish special kick.

holiday_plate

Happy Thanksgiving! How Many Calories Are You Eating On Thanksgiving?

I love this image!  “Gobble till  ya Wobble!”  Isn’t this exactly how you feel after indulging in Thanksgiving dinner?

How many calories are you really eating on Thanksgiving?  According to research from the Calorie Control Council, the average American may consume more than 4,500 calories  and the average holiday dinner alone is a whopping 3,000 calories.  Read more @ http://www.caloriecontrol.org/articles-and-video/feature-articles/stuff-the-bird-not-yourself.

Crustless Pumpkin Pie

Just in time for Thanksgiving!  Save a few calories with this recipe for the crustless pumpkin pie.  It is only 110 calories per serving and it is absolutely fabulous!

WHAT YOU NEED:

  • 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
  • 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated skim milk
  • 1/2 cup egg substitute
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg & ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup  sugar

WHAT TO  DO:

  • Combine all ingredients and beat until smooth.
  • Pour into 9-inch pie pan sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes; reduce temperature to 325 degrees F and bake for 45 minutes more.
  • Pie is done when knife inserted into center comes out clean.
  • Makes 8 servings

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