Happy (Good, Nutritious) Thanksgiving!!

November is Good Nutrition Month. There is some irony to this because November is also the beginning of the season when people eat the most and indulge in many wonderful delicacies. In fact, studies show that adults are most likely to gain at least 5 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

Here are some tips to help avoid weight gain while still allowing you to enjoy delicious holiday foods:

1) Eat a light, healthy snack such as fresh fruit or fresh vegetables, or water-based soup prior to your Thanksgiving meal to help curb your appetite.
2) Downsize your portions. Enjoy a smaller amount of your favorite holiday dishes
3) Use smaller plates to help reduce portions
4) Watch the calories you drink. Drink reduced calorie beverages or sparkling water with an added fruit slice. Reduce amount of alcohol as it can stimulate your appetite.
5) Take a walk either before or after your holiday meal
6) Explore healthier eating options. This doesn’t mean the food has to taste bad. Substitute lower fat and lower calorie ingredients in your recipes.

Here is one you can try for the big day, let me know what you think.

Healthy Holiday Honey-Glazed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

No canned sweet, No miniature marshmallows, No butter

Ingredients:
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 pounds fresh sweet potatoes (about 4 large)
Topping - Cracked black pepper or dried herb (basil or thyme)

Directions:
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a baking dish with nonstick spray. Combine the 1st five ingredients. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes wedges. Place in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour ½ of the sauce over the sweet potatoes. Turn them and pour the remaining sauce.

Cover and bake for about 45 minutes or until tender; turn the sweet potatoes once or twice to continue coating them. When tender, remove the cover and continue to bake until the glaze is set, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with cracked black pepper or herb of choice and serve.