Alright folks, I’ll just go ahead and own up to it: I am SEVERELY behind, in just about every area of my life (except my Anatomy and Physiology class, in which I keep managing to get 100’s…), so I’m keeping it short and sweet today. The hubby and I are dashing out the door in T-60 minutes and I. HAVE. NOT. PACKED. Laundry is in the wash, for pete’s sake!
First, a word about Thanksgiving: it’s a time to enjoy with family and friends, and to reflect on what we’re thankful for this year. Or any year. Let’s not forget that–I’m all too apt to get wrapped up in food and shopping and stress, and all those calories.
So, take a breather (and I promise to take one, too), and try to enjoy just ‘being’ with everyone. Even if it requires a stiff drink/yoga/run/venting session afterward!
And don’t forget PIE! I had wanted to do a whole spread on fancy Thanksgiving side dishes to serve, using in-season, local produce. And then we had guests visit and I ran out of time. Then, I thought I’d do something simpler, like giving the ‘traditional’ nutrient info for those calorie-laden dishes we all love, and then providing a healthier way to prepare the same dish, with recipes. And then I had tests to study for.
So, here I am, inspired by an article in Shape Magazine, with the skinny on PIE:
-Pecan: average calories per slice, 503; 27g fat
-Apple: average calories per slice, 411; 19g fat
-Pumpkin: average calories per slice, 316; 14g fat
-Lemon Meringue: average calories per slice, 362; 16g fat
GASP! These look like bad numbers (and they are), but there is hope! Here are some tips to navigate your Thanksgiving table without added weight gain, or guilt:
-Stick to mostly white meat turkey, and go easy on the gravy
-Portion control! If there are six sides on the table you absolutely MUST try, limit yourself to one small (I dare say TINY) scoop of each. Go back for seconds ONLY for the ones you loved.
-Don’t fill up on bread. What’s special about a packaged dinner roll, anyway?
-Go easy on the bubbly, too. Stick to water and one (or two) glasses of wine.
-Dessert: enjoy, but practice portion control! We’re talking SLIVERS of pie and bites of other yummy goodies. Again, seconds are only for your favorites. And unless you’re a crust lover, skip it. It’s where most of the fat and calories are, anyway.
Don’t forget to ENJOY your food! Eat slowly, stop before you’re full and leave a little room for a second plate later that night, or another piece of pie. It is Thanksgiving, after all.
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Holly R. Layer received a B. A. in Journalism from Penn State and served four years in the U. S. Air Force before deciding to go back to school to become a Registered Dietician. She loves running, reading, fine stationery, colorful kitchen gadgets and ALL things food-related. An avid cook and baker, you can find her in the kitchen most days whipping up something yummy. Too bad her husband, Andrew (an East Aurora native) is the pickiest man alive! You can find her at www.thefrozenpineapple.com.