HEALTHY HOLIDAY EATING
By Cndy Heroux
Trim the fat, nt the taste with healthy cooking and eating options this holiday season.
Newsflash! The average Thanksgiving dinner has an average of 4,500 calories and more than 220 grams of fat – not counting leftovers after the game!
I know what you’re thinking…it’s only once a year, how bad can an occasional splurge be? Worse than you might imagine. For 3 to 5 hours following just one high fat meal, your blood turns thick and cloudy with fat, blood vessels don’t function normally, blood pressure rises and you are at increased risk of having a heart attack. The American Heart Association says only 8 percent of American adults are at low risk for heart disease. The good news is that it’s entirely possible to enjoy a delicious and satisfying holiday dinner without compromising taste or risking a trip to the ER. Here are some local chefs, restaurants and some nationally acclaimed experts ready to help you transform treacherous traditional menus into delicious, health promoting feasts, plus a magic ingredient or two than can help protect your heart even if you still go a little overboard.
Like To Cook?
For those who really enjoy cooking for special occasions, health expert Dr. Michael Roizen, best-selling co-author of the “YOU” book series and chief wellness officer at Cleveland Clinic, teamed up with award-winning cookbook author Mollie Katzen to make over some of America’s favorite recipes, including holiday staples like mashed potatoes, mushroom gravy and green bean casserole. Delicious and easy to follow, these recipes avoid artery-clogging fat and look to antioxidant rich ingredients like fruits, vegetables and walnuts for flavor instead. The results are pleasing to the pallet and protective for your heart. In fact, research has shown that walnuts can actually blunt the impact of a high fat meal on your blood vessels. Thanks to the California Walnut Board, a sampling of these recipes is on our website at ohlmag.com.
Not So Much…
Love luscious aromas wafting through your home, but not a big fan of spending time in the kitchen? Healthy Chef Creations has the solution. Using all organic ingredients and minimal added fat or salt, Chef John Procacci will deliver the most delicious holiday meal imaginable right to your door. All you have to do is heat, serve and enjoy. You will love the rich flavors of John’s fresh, free-range turkey (which is naturally lower in fat), marinated in wine, garlic and fresh herbs, then roasted to perfection and served with a choice of sides. You can order individual dinners with personalized selections for just $16.95, add roasted butternut squash soup or a salad for an additional $2.95, and top your healthy meal off with a mini dessert for $1.95 or a full size one for $3.95. For larger groups, meals can be delivered family style. Healthy Chef Creations accommodates most dietary preferences and restrictions including vegetarian and gluten-free. For Thanksgiving, be sure to place your order by November 12. www.healthychefcreations.com
Between the all-or-nothing approach to cooking your own healthy holiday meals lies Super Suppers of Winter Springs. It handles the planning, shopping, chopping and mopping. All you have to do is assemble ingredients following a recipe and you have a delicious meal ready for your oven or freezer. If you prefer, you can select something from its “grab and go” case, have meals assembled and ready for pick-up, or even turn your holiday meal prep into a holiday party by scheduling a private assembling session for you and your friends. New owner Elizabeth Ford prepares most of her ingredients, even the sauces, from scratch so you get to enjoy healthier, more flavorful meals without all the work. www.supersuppers.com
No Cooking At All…
Want to avoid the kitchen altogether? Then enjoy the exceptional hospitality of The Ritz-Carlton Orlando at Grande Lakes. The Vineyard Grill will be offering an amazing buffet featuring Dried Cranberry and Hazelnut-Stuffed Duck Roulade (poached so it’s low in fat), Roasted Fall Fruits, Brussels Sprouts, Thyme Jus and an assortment of delectable accoutrements. The advantage of a buffet is that you get to control not only what goes on your plate, but also how much. Start with a glass of sparkling water and a healthy salad. Feeling a little full before you enjoy the main course and dessert can help you keep portions under control and temptation at bay. www.grandelakes.com/The-Vineyard-Grill-73
It is possible to overeat even the healthiest of foods. If you’re feeling a little over-full after dinner, take advantage of Central Florida’s brisk fall weather and go for a walk. It will improve your digestion, burn off some extra calories and give your heart one more thing to be thankful for.
Cindy Heroux is a nationally recognized speaker & author, providing keynotes, wellness programs & training seminars for corporations, private & professional groups nationwide. www.speakingofwellness.com, 407-366-6337.
|
HEALTHY HOLIDAY RECIPES
A+ Green Bean Casserole—This updated version of the iconic green bean casserole has 53% less sodium than its traditional counterpart. Recipe>>
Baked Pumpkin Custard—A smart take on classic Pumpkin Pie. Recipe>>
Buttermilk Mashed Jacket Potatoes—100% less saturated fat and 48% less calories than the traditional version of mashed potatoes* You won’t miss the butter or sour cream with this flavorful mash served in its own jacket. You can eat them plain or punch up the flavor with the addition of optional flavorings. According to recipe creator, they can be made an hour or two ahead and reheated in a 300°F oven before serving. Recipe>>
Brilliant Mushroom Gravy—61% fewer calories than the traditional recipe. Recipe>>
Mollie’s Broccoli Salad with Mushrooms and Walnuts—A smart alternative with 84% less saturated fat than the traditional broccoli and cheese casserole version. Recipe>>
Guiltless Apricot Cranberry Sauce—A light and elegant addition to any meal, with 64% less sugar than traditional cranberry sauce. Recipe>>
|
