Thanksgiving Dinner - Biggest Loser Style
Who says Thanksgiving dinner isn't healthy? The staple ingredients of this holiday's comfort food have redeeming healthful properties that make this meal extra scrumptious. Adding just the right amount of culinary know-how to traditional recipes and knowing a few healthy dining secrets can transform this annual food fest into a guilt-free feast that won't expand your waistline.
Holiday Dining Tips:
1. The first rule of thumb for holiday gatherings, especially if it's not at your house, is never go to the party hungry. Maintain your normal daily routine starting with breakfast and a workout. Have a snack before you go - a half a sandwich, yogurt and fruit, or a glass of milk. Be sure when you arrive you aren't starving.
2. If there's a buffet, plan your strategy BEFORE you step up to the table. Figure out how you want to approach the buffet table, if there is one.
3. Try to remember that most of your choices should be whole grains, fruits and vegetables; the remaining third can be lean meats. Fill up on veggies that aren't drenched in butter or sauce.
4. If it's impossible to resist trying everything on the table, at least make sure you take very small tastes or small spoonfuls of high-calorie dishes.
5. If you're trying to watch your weight, remember that this is just one day, so it's okay to indulge yourself a little. Many people begin a downward spiral over the holidays, every year, beginning with Thanksgiving. One day of temptation leads to another, and before they know it, they've spiraled out of control by Christmas. Don't let that happen to you. If Thanksgiving finds you being a little too indulgent, begin Friday by eating a little less, exercising more or both.
Here's a
link to the recipes that the trainers prepared on tonight's show for Thanksgiving dinner - Biggest Loser style. They're all from my book "Flavor First."
Bon Appetit!
For more nutrition and cooking tips, visit Cheryl's website
FlavorFirst.com, and follow her on
Twitter and
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