westside blog 11-16-11

Thanksgiving Traditions

Our class this week talked about all the different traditions we have as families for the holidays. Zerrox said her family friend is a gourmet chef and that he prepares a wonderful traditional meal every year. Smiley, Dolly and Sassy all said they have traditional Thanksgiving meals with  turkey, dressing, potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce and of course  pumpkin pie. Most of us go to a family member’s house while a few brave members host the holiday meal. The group researched was to enjoy the Holidays while staying healthy.

Easy ways to make Healthier Holiday Food

* Cook the turkey with olive oil instead of butter & skip the dark meat.

* Switch the mashed potatoes for sweet potatoes. They are rich in fiber

            and low in calories.

* Have whole wheat rolls instead of white.

* Choose pumpkin pie for dessert, it has Vitamin A, Potassium and Beta Carotene.

* Drink plenty of water; it helps control your appetite by making you feel fuller.

* Eat slowly, it take 20 minutes for the brain to register you're full.

* Make sure to eat a healthy breakfast, so you're not starving before the Thanksgiving   meal, leading to over stuffing yourself.

* Avoid extra salt & butter. Try using garlic or other spices instead.

* Stop when you're full.

* And remember everything in moderation.