We all like to sit down for a big Thanksgiving dinner at this time of year, but we might be wise to choose what we eat (and how much!) more carefully. The foods packed with vitamins and nutrients are best for a healthy diet during this time of year. In fact, this time of year we encourage those who supplement their diet with Juice Plus+ to actually double up on their daily intake, because of the increased stress that comes from indulging in too many foods...along with family issues. However, let's look to the things we can be thankful for. Here are some tips on what to avoid and what to include in their Thanksgiving menus.
Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends and, frankly, it is a time to enjoy food. Depriving oneself is not fun and will likely lead to a post-celebration binge session while packing up the leftovers. You can look for a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory menu that is healthy and still delicious.
It is a far too widespread myth these days that to be healthy you must turn vegan. Turkey is a lean, healthy meat and a great source of protein. White meat turkey is ok versus dark. If you are planning on having turkey at your Thanksgiving table (and hopefully you are because, really, what is a Thanksgiving without turkey?) purchase an organic turkey because they are free of antibiotics and hormones, which we are all better off without.
Of all of the Thanksgiving dishes, it is the side dishes that are the most luring and evil. The most popular side dishes tend to be stuffing, mashed potatoes, casseroles and cranberry sauce, all of which are generally of the upper-hundred calorie range. Instead of counting calories, it is important to pick foods that are packed with the most vitamins and minerals. Choose cranberry sauce over stuffing because cranberries are rich in antioxidants, stocked with fiber and have high levels of Vitamin C. Or, choose the green bean casserole over the potato casserole because green beans are packed with vitamins and low in calories, while the sweet potato casserole is generally full of butter and marshmallows. Decide on a couple sides you are craving and cover the rest of your plate with guilt-free roasted veggies to fill up on nutrients and prevent yourself from going back for less healthy options. You can do your brussel sprouts roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper.
If you are in charge of the menu, break tradition and substitute fattening ingredients with healthier ones. Most cranberry sauce recipes require tons of sugar. Use Stevia (my favorite sugar substitute) instead; your guests won't know the difference. Adding a cup of pomegranate juice and a hint of pepper to your cranberry sauce will add even more dimension and spice. Also the newly popular quinoa (pronounced "keen wah") with sautéed mushrooms and onions in your stuffing instead of flour or vegetable broth as the base of your gravy.
Many people truly dread this holiday because of the hard time resisting pie. Luckily, you don't have to skip the pie; just choose to make an apple, cherry or pumpkin pie over a pecan one. These pies are much lower in calories and a greater source of fiber. You can also make any pie wheat- and sugar-free, by using whole rolled oats and Stevia as substitutes.
Decide that one dessert is enough, though. Pistachios are my favorite snack and they are very rich in antioxidants. If you are entertaining, put out a couple of bowls of the nut and if you're not, stash some away in your bag to bring along with you.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving and do so in a healthy way so you don't wake up Friday (or Monday) with a food hangover. Enjoying the time together should be way ahead of enjoying the foods and drinks present. And go ahead and supplement your diet with Juice Plus+ to provide you the nutrients you need even more during this time of year, from a variety of fruits and vegetables. (Source...Dr Oz Garcia)
Happy Thanksgiving!
The Health & Wellness Institute, PC
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