5 Tips for a Healthy Thanksgiving

Choose healthier options like this clever Turkey Veggie Tray
via LivingLocurto.com

When you're trying to eat healthfully or lose weight, the Thanksgiving Feast can be frightening. On average, Americans consume 2500 to 4500 calories in this celebratory meal. What's a health-conscious person to do?

Here are our 5 helpful tips:

1. Get Active. Exercise before Thanksgiving dinner to create a calorie deficit. Use the 4-day weekend to get even more extra exercise in for the week.
2. Eat Breakfast.  Eating a small healthy meal in the morning can help you better control your appetite later.
3. Lighten Up & Watch Portions. Use sugar substitutes like Stevia in place of regular sugar, fat-free yogurt in place of sour cream. Skip seconds and choose healthier options at the buffet.
4. Eat Slowly. Put down the fork between bites and really savor each mouthful to avoid overeating.
5. Go Easy on Alcohol. Alcohol is loaded with extra calories. Choose a non-alcoholic drink or have a glass of water between alcoholic drinks. 

If you want to put tip #3 in action, start your Feast with a serving of our Hearty Carrot Soup. With only 118 calories, 10 grams of carbs, and 3 Weight Watcher points, this festive, colorful dish will help fill you up and leave less room for less healthy options later in the meal.

Hearty Carrot Soup
Created by Chef Andy Matsuda

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
 ½ package of Skinny Noodles Spaghetti or Angel Hair
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 onion, sliced
1 Tbsp butter
2 C water
2 C soy milk
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 tsp olive oil or cream

Rinse well and drain Skinny Noodles; cut into approx. 6-inch length and set aside. Heat butter in a medium saucepan and sauté the carrots and onions for a few minutes; add water and cook until carrots/onions are soft. Add Skinny Noodles to the pan and using a hand-held blender, blend the mixture until smooth. Add soy milk, seasoning and olive oil or cream, mix well and serve hot. Garnish with croutons if desired.

Per Serving: 118 calories, 7g fat, 8mg cholesterol, 10g carbohydrates, 2g fiber, 4g protein (WW Points Plus: 3)

And after Thanksgiving Day, use the leftover turkey to create a quick, light, and satisfying soup with Skinny Rice. If you overindulged Thanksgiving Day, this soup with less than 100 calories gives you a chance to make up for the calorie and carb overload. 

Chicken & Skinny "Rice" Soup 
Perfect made with Holiday leftover turkey!

Makes 4 servings (or 8 side servings)

Ingredients
8 C low-sodium chicken broth, divided
1 medium onion, chopped
3 medium carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
 2 C water
 2 8 oz. packages Skinny "Rice" Shirataki 
1 small chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (or turkey breast) 
1 cup kale*, thick stems removed and leaves chopped

*Substitute baby spinach leaves if desired

In a large pot over medium-high heat, bring 1/2 cup broth to a simmer. Add onion, carrots and celery and cook about 8 minutes or until onion is translucent, stirring occasionally. Add remaining 7-1/2 cups broth, water, Skinny Rice, and chicken. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook about 35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Stir in kale. Continue cooking just until kale is wilted and tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Makes 8 servings.

Made with chicken breast and Skinny "Rice," Per Serving: 98 calories, 4g fat, 14mg cholesterol, 9g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 10g protein


Eat right and have a "Souper" Thanksgiving with these recipes. Above all else, remember to focus on the family and friends -- not the food. Be grateful for life's blessings!