We are three days and counting until Thanksgiving, the unofficial start of the holiday eating binge. With appetizers, turkey, ham, all types of meats and fish, sides, potatoes, pasta dishes, dressing-stuffing, breads and desserts ranging from fruit to cheesecake , we are bombarded with overfat, albeit delicious, holiday foods; and these are just the beginning of many more to come around over the next 36 days!
Most of us have Thanksgiving traditional recipes passed down through generations of family. Many of these recipes are delicious but filled with too much of the wrong type of foods. Heavy on white carbs, refined sugar, shortening and margarine. Eating a healthier diet can include cherished recipes with a few changes. Switch out white rice for brown rice, white pasta for whole grain pasta, low fat cheese for full fat cheese. Adding more cut up vegetables and homemade dip cuts out extra preservatives and sugars added from processed foods. Desserts can be made with less sugar and more fruit. Honey and pure maples syrup are a great addition in recipes along with sugar free applesauce. Olive and canola oil is a great swap out for shortening or margarine. Butter can used in smaller quantities. Fresh, natural ingredients can update your dishes to a healthier version and taste great!
This is not to say to change every recipe you have for Thanksgiving. Take one or two and make a few healthy substitutions, I think you’ll find they will taste great and you’ll feel great. Little changes, big rewards. Not quite that heavy, overstuffed feeling most of us have at Thanksgiving from gorging on food constantly for hours. Another great idea is to take a walk after the dinner plates have been cleared. Get a group of family members to walk for 20-30 minutes or go by yourself. You’ll be moving, getting that blood going and keeping your blood sugar levels down without the spike and desire for more food!
I wish you all a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving! Be thankful for the little things every day. I have attached a link to some Thanksgiving recipes put together by Dr. William Sears. Great tasting, healthy food doesn’t have to be bland or difficult to make! Email me at kimgerhardt@drsearscoach.com to set up a session for recipe makeovers. Enjoy your day!
*Disclaimer:
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Kim Gerhardt, Certified Health Coach, does not take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.
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