Take Time to Savor the Turkey

On behalf of the physicians and staff at MacArthur OB/GYN, we would like to wish each and everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and safe traveling for those that will be on the road. Throughout this weekend of celebrating try to remember these tips:

  • Be respectful to those who are cooking- eat slowly and savor every bite (make sure you tell the cooks that the food is delicious)
  • Don’t increase the belt notches- try to make fat substitutions by using low-fat or fat-free products
  • Limit wall climbing and hyperactivity by lowering sugar consumption
  • Limit falling asleep in front of the football games after eating by taking a brisk walk
  • Keep your cells from shrinking and drink plenty of water
  • Sneak in healthier snack choices with traditional ones so as not to put people in a sugar coma

I would like to challenge everyone this holiday weekend and see how many of us can keep the number that shows up on the scale the same. Let me know how your scale held up over this holiday weekend. Please feel free to share your healthier recipes with us on Facebook or in the comment section in the blog. We would love to hear about your holiday successes, and failures, what worked and what did not. All comments, challenge results, successes, failures or recipes can be posted on Facebook or the comment section in the blog. As promised, here are a couple of awesome dessert substitutions. Dr. Livingston sampled the pumpkin soufflé and loved it. I make the apples frequently as a side dish and the kids love it. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Soufflé

2 whole eggs
2 egg whites
1 ¼ cups canned pumpkin
¼ cup sugar substitute
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground allspice
½ tsp ground nutmeg
1/14 cup fat free evaporated milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
Fat-free whipped topping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray 8 4 ounce ramekins or custard dishes with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, lightly beat eggs and egg whites. Add the pumpkin and mix well. Blend in the sugar substitute, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, evaporated milk and vanilla. Fill each custard dish with ½ cup of the mixture. Place the custard dishes in a baking dish. Add enough warm water to pan to cover 2/3 of custard dishes. Bake at least 40 minutes or until knife inserted in the center of the custard comes out clean. Remove from over. Serve warm and top with a dollop of the fat-free whipped topping if desired. Serves 8.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:
66 Calories
2 grams fat
7 grams carbohydrate
5 grams protein

Adapted from www.southbeachdiet.com.

Microwave Cinnamon Apple Slices

8 tart apples (Granny Smith, Rome, Winesap) peeled, cored and sliced
4 tbsp water
3 packets sugar-free apple cider flavored drink mix
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Artificial sugar to taste

Combine all ingredients and place in a casserole lightly coated with nonfat cooking spray. Toss. Cover with waxed paper and microwave on high until tender. Stir every minute or so. Let stand for about 2 minutes before serving. Can be served hot or cold.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:
80 Calories
19 grams carbohydrate

Adapted from www.southbeachdiet.com.