5 Ways to Indulge at Thanksgiving Dinner and Still Lose Weight
1) Plan in advance the things you cannot live without eating on Thanksgiving, your great aunt’s cranberry sauce or your grandfather’s stuffing. Eat a few bites of the items you must have and fill the rest of your plate with vegetables and salads. Go back for more if what you really like if you are still hungry afterwards.
2) Stay away from bread so you can eat more of the things you really enjoy. The next day make yourself a sandwich with left over turkey and cranberry sauce on a dinner roll.
3) If you must drink alcohol, have one 4 ounce glass of wine or one 12 ounce bottle of light beer. Fruity cocktails have more calories from juice and added sugar. Alcohol also reduces inhibitions, which can lead to overeating.
4) Drink a glass of water before dinner, studies have shown that people who drink a glass of water or eat a clear soup as a first course eat less at the rest of the meal. If you must drink alcohol, have one 4 ounce glass of wine or one 12 ounce bottle of light beer. Fruity cocktails have more calories from juice and added sugar.
5) If you attend a potluck dinner, bring a dish you know you will be able to enjoy, a colorful salad, marinated green beans, roasted vegetables, or a lighter version of the classic green bean casserole
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Green Beans with Mushrooms
1 12 ounce microwaveable bag of green beans
1 8 ounce package sliced mushrooms
1 large onion
2 teaspoons olive oil
4 tablespoons reduced fat Italian dressing
Cook green beans according to package directions. Saute mushrooms and onions in olive oil until the mushrooms are cooked through, about five to seven minutes. Toss green beans, mushrooms and onions with the dressing. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes four servings.
Nutritional information: 64.25 calories, 1 gram fat, 1 gram cholesterol, 215.5mg sodium, 12 grams carbohydrates, 4.5 grams fiber, 3.25 grams sugar, 5 grams protein.
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Vanilla Rum Roasted Sweet Potatoes
1 pound sweet potatoes, peeling and cut into bite sized pieces
3 teaspoons brown sugar
1 ounce rum
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place all ingredients in a zip top bag and shake to coat. Pour everything onto a cookie sheet lined with baking paper. Bake, uncovered, for about 45 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are cooked through. Makes six servings.
Nutritional information: 103.166 calories, 2.37 grams fat, 42mg sodium, 16.75 grams carbohydrates, 2.26 grams fiber, 3.02 grams sugar, 1.18 grams protein.
Tags: cranberry sauce, indulge, stufing, thanksgiving, turkey
