Thanksgiving Survival 101

 

1.    First and most important forget the diet!

 

2.    Take the guilt out of eating more than you normally would by:

a.   Preparing  foods in a healthy way

b.   Eating smaller portion of all foods selected

c.   Waiting at least an hour, to an hour and a half before having seconds

d.   Avoiding large amount of fluids before, with or after meals.

3.   Oven fry chicken is just as tasty as pan fried chicken.  Use a dry batter in place of a wet one when frying in the oven.

4.   Make steamed or roasted vegetables as sides. Avoid using bacon, smoked meats with your vegetables. (see below for great vegan collard greens recipe)

5.   Use natural ingredients; avoid using process foods as much as possible.

6.   If you feel sluggish after dinner due to over eating, go for a quick brisk walk or entertain

yourself, family and friends with a game of musical chairs, or a 15 minute dance off.  Dancing for 15- 30 minutes burns anywhere from 60 to 150 calories.

Recipe!

Vegan Collard Greens

 

2 large bunches collard greens

3 garlic cloves crush and chopped

1 small onion chopped

2 tbsp. Olive oil

¼ tsp. dried rosemary

Dash of salt for taste (optional)

Dash of black pepper

 

Wash and chop (or tear) collard greens.

In a tall stock pot heat olive oil, add chopped onions, garlic and dried rosemary, sauté for about 3 minutes then add collard greens.

Add one cup of water, cover stock pot and let simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes.

Once collard greens are cooked add small amount of black pepper and salt, simmer for 5 more minutes then remove from heat.

 

*If you prefer your greens soggy cook longer (it is better to steam your vegetables than it is to cook them in water). For collard greens add just enough water to keep it from burning or sticking to bottom of pot.  If water dries out before greens are cooked add water as needed. Kale and turnip greens can be used in place of collards as well!!