Thanksgiving Day Tips!

Happy Thanksgiving!!  I want everyone to enjoy this day - indulging in some special treats for a special day as you celebrate all the blessings you enjoy. 

BUT!  It's not an excuse to OVER-indulge!!  So here are a few tips to help you manage your way through this day - particularly if you are enjoying more than one Thanksgiving meal with different families!

1) EAT BREAKFAST.  Sounds counter-intuitive, but yes, eat something for breakfast.  Some fruit, yogurt, a couple of eggs - this will help keep you from feeling like eating everything in sight when that dinner is served later.

2) STAY HYDRATED.  Don't confuse thirst with hunger!  Start drinking water early in the day and keep yourself hydrated so your body can process your meal more efficiently.

3) SCOPE IT OUT.  There will likely be a lot of food on the table and some of it may not be your favorite.  Don't eat it just because it's there!  Decided what you really like and what you are going to enjoy.  You don't have to eat everything - be selective and really enjoy your favorites.

4) EAT SLOWLY.  That turkey isn't going anywhere so slow down!  Chew your food thoroughly - even consider putting your fork down in-between bites.  This helps your brain out because it can't process the fact that you are full as fast as you can fill your stomach. 

5) WORKOUT!  Yes, working out is a great way to kick off the day.  Doing it first thing is great so maybe you have already gotten yours in today like I did :).

6) WORKOUT TOMORROW!  Don't miss tomorrow's workout either.  Get up and get that body moving.  If you are going Black Friday Shopping, PLAN AHEAD.  Take snacks and water so you don't have to take time for fast food.  You'll likely have plenty of leftovers to take with you!

I am thankful for all of you and I encourage you to stay on track during the holiday season.  And get ready - I'll be back on here with more recipes and tips to get through to January!

Today's Tip: November Recipe #17 - A new idea for Turkey-Day Stuffing

If you are wanting to try something new for you stuffing this Thanksgiving, here's a recipe to try!  The apples and raisins give the dish a unique flavor and really compliment the turkey well.

Apple & Onion Stuffing PER SERVING (1/8th of recipe, about 1 cup): 108 calories, 1g fat, 206mg sodium, 24g carbs, 4.25g fiber, 12g sugars, 3g protein -- PointsPlus® value 3* Prep: 20 minutes Cook: 40 minutes

Ingredients                                             

• 5-6 slices whole wheat bread, cut into cubes (look for a loaf with whole grain or whole wheat as the first ingredient listed)
• 1 Tbl olive or grapeseed oil
•  2 cups chopped sweet onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 tbsp. minced shallots
• 1/2 tbsp. minced garlic
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/3 cup fat-free chicken broth (plus more if needed), room temperature
• 1/4 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)
• 4 cups chopped Fuji apples
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 2 Tbl golden raisins
• Optional: black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a medium baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.

Lightly toast bread slices. Cut them into cubes and set aside.

Add oil to a large pot over medium heat on the stove.  Add onion, celery, shallots, garlic, and salt. Add pepper, if desired. Stirring frequently, sauté veggies until softened, about 6 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine broth with egg substitute and stir thoroughly. Set aside.

Remove the pot from heat and add apples, parsley, and raisins. Mix well and set aside.

Add toasted bread cubes to the broth mixture and stir to coat. Add vegetable-apple mixture and gently stir. The bread cubes should be moist but not saturated. Add a few extra tablespoons of broth to coat, if needed.

Transfer stuffing mixture to the baking pan. Cover with foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and, using a fork, gently fluff and rearrange stuffing. Return to the oven, uncovered. Bake until the top is golden brown, 10 - 15 minutes.

While the stuffing is still warm, mix gently if needed.