Turkey Tales, Weighty Worries, Tasty Tidbits

As we head into Thanksgiving, shall we talk food or cringe, even as we worry about packing on the pounds?

Can we take pleasure in our favorite recipes, and set aside the guilt that starts for some of us before the very first bite?

This article in Time Healthland suggests that rather than depriving ourselves at the holidays, we should eat up and enjoy… in moderation.

According to the article:

Studies show, for example, that when you put certain foods on a do-not-eat list, people end up wanting, and eating them more, and actually gaining weight.

Those of us who have been on and off any sort of extreme or food group-limiting diet certainly know that firsthand!

Worried About Weight Gain at the Holidays?

Look. We all worry about weight gain at the holidays. Not only because we eat more than usual, but we’re around food all the time during preparation, and we tend to be more sedentary dealing with days off and company around the house.

Naturally, if we let more than a few days of “bad habits” go by, it’s harder to get back to healthy eating and regular exercise. Thus, the advice presented by the Healthland article: use moderation, and even if we don’t, to get back to more usual (reasonable) portions as quickly as possible.

Let’s shed the holiday guilt for a change! (Ladies, no flagellating. Really.)

How to Garnish a Turkey

On that note, I’m pondering portobello mushrooms (for my stuffing), walnuts versus pecans (also for my stuffing), and certain I’ll be picking up fresh sprigs of rosemary.

We all have our favorite recipes for dishes at this time of year, and while some of us like to experiment, sometimes we insist on certain flavors that are reminiscent of other times or sure to resonate on our palates and in our memories.

As for garnishing the turkey, Design Mom has great options! And her illustrations are wonderful.

You may find you like citrus (lemons, kumquats), or the classic autumn favorite – apples. You may enjoy something more savory – onions, carrots, squash. Personally, I love rosemary and bunches of grapes nestled among a variety of greens.

Delish Desserts to be Grateful For

As for dessert, I have the ingredients for several options this year. I remain (even at this late date) undecided. Pumpkin pie is always good, I’m a fan of carrot cake for any occasion, pineapple upside down cake is another indulgence I thoroughly enjoy, or I may keep it simple – fresh fruit with a side of French butter cookies.

If there’s no pumpkin at the dessert table, let’s not forget the opportunities for the next morning.

No, not a turkey omelet. Pumpkin muffins! They’re absolutely divine.

This pumpkin muffin recipe is from Smitten Kitchen. (I’m crazy about their recipes. Apple Sharlotka, remember?)

And this pumpkin muffin recipe is from Pioneer Woman.

However you celebrate, please remember to reach out to those who are alone and who need a little kindness. For that matter, though we often feel especially stressed at the holidays, let’s remember patience for those we love, whom we’re fortunate to have at our side.

You May Also Enjoy

• The Kitch Witch (Read Amazing Stories and Recipes)

• Let Them Eat Cake!

• Fearing the Fry, Craving the Cronut