Thanksgiving Is Coming - Please Help Me Not Get Fat!

Can you believe Thanksgiving is just around the corner?  My 7 year old was asking me the other day how many more days until Christmas and all of the sudden it hit me - oh my gosh, a little over a month!  I don't know if it is because the weather has been fairly nice around here or what... but I'm just not quite in the holiday mood yet.  However, I did buy a big pack of various flavors of apple cider the other day at Sam's Club and that seemed to help us all get in the mood a bit.   

What are your favorite holiday recipes?  Feel free to share in the comments section below.  Who knows, maybe we'll end up with a new favorite this year! 

With the holidays comes the delicious foods we often only get a couple times a year.  However, it is also a time we seem to over eat and pack on a few extra pounds.  Therefore, my business partner and I have come up with a Healthy Thanksgiving Planner to share some of our favorite healthier recipes for the holidays.  Here are a couple of our favorites.

Dilled Smoked Salmon Spread

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Preparation:  Store tightly covered in refrigerator up to 2 weeks or in freezer up to 4 weeks. Thaw frozen spread covered in refrigerator about 8 hours. Serve with crackers.

    1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened (use fat-free or low-fat to reduce the fat)                     
    1 pound smoked salmon, skinned and boned                        
    1/4 cup chopped green onions (3 medium)                        
    1 teaspoon chopped or 1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed             
    3/4 (8-ounce) package whipped cream cheese, softened (about 3/4 cup)
    1/4 cup chopped nuts, toasted if desired                        
    Cracker or sliced vegetables, if desired                        

1.  Mix 8-ounce package cream cheese, the salmon, green onions and dill thoroughly.

2.  Shape mixture into ball or ring shape. Spread with whipped cream cheese. Sprinkle with nuts. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours until chilled.
 
NUTRITION FACTS
Calories 35
Fat  3g
Saturated Fat 1g
Cholesterol 10mg
Sodium 95mg
Carbohydrate 0g
Dietary Fiber 0g
Protein  2g

Maple Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
Serving Size: 1/2 cup

    4 small dark-orange sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 3/4-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
    1/4 cup real maple syrup or maple-flavored syrup               
    1/2 teaspoon cinnamon                                          
    2 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts                           

1. In large saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Add sweet potatoes; return to a boil. Cook over medium heat for 8 to 12 minutes or until tender. Drain well. Return sweet potatoes to saucepan or place in serving bowl.

2. Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine syrup and cinnamon; mix well. Add to sweet potatoes; toss gently to coat. Just before serving, sprinkle with walnuts.

NUTRITION INFORMATION
Calories 110
Fat  1g
Saturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 10mg
Carbohydrate 23g
Dietary Fiber 2g
Sugars  10g
Protein  1g

If you woudl like a copy of our complete Thanksgiving Planning Guide featuring:

- Information on Planning a Family Get-Together
- Ways to Eliminate Holiday Stress
- Tips For Preparing the Perfect Turkey
- Decorating Made Easy
- Activities to Keep The Kids Entertained
- What To Do With Leftover Turkey
- A complete Healthy Thanksgiving Menu & Grocery Shopping List
- Bonus Printable Planning Guide

You can grab a copy at www.healthymenumailer.com/thx

I wish you a wonderful holiday, filled with friends & family, yummy foods, and health.

Christine Steendahl
"The Menu Mom"