thanksgiving-related stories
Thanksgiving Leftovers: Healthy Post-Holiday Recipes
Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements
Thanksgiving: The Year's Worst Diet-Buster?
Happy Thanksgiving! Aside from giving thanks, watching football and gearing up for the holiday shopping season, we all know Thursday is called Turkey Day for a very good reason. With diet-busting temptations in the form of ham, stuffing and other Thanksgiving treats, is it possible to stay faithful to healthy eating during the holiday season? Or should Thanksgiving Day be our one diet break before we say goodbye to 2009? We turned to the Twitterverse to get our answer.





Read any good Tweets? Give us a shout on Twitter and let us know all about it!
Turkey Tetrazzini
Recipe Rehab with Tanya Zuckerbrot
Photo: Andre Baranowski
Are you wondering what to do with all those Thanksgiving leftovers? Tired of the typical turkey soup, turkey stew and the popular turkey surprise? Getting through turkey day leftovers can be boring and dull, but if you give them a little oomph your family will come back for more.
After a calorie laden thanksgiving dinner, using turkey breast is always a great choice. Turkey is low in fat and only contains 35 calories per ounce. This lean meat also contains folic acid, zinc, potassium and vitamins B1 and B6. These nutrients aid in healing, controlling blood pressure, and protect against heart disease, cancer and birth defects.
Traditional turkey tetrazzini is made with cream, butter and cheese -- a waistline's worst enemy. (450 calories and 25g of fat per serving!) In order to cut down on calories I use skim milk and Laughing Cow light cheese wedges to create a luscious sauce. I use multigrain blend pasta to add extra fiber to this dish.
Say "goodbye" to boring turkey leftovers and "hello" to this made over turkey tetrazzini! You are going to love my version of this retro turkey noodle casserole; it is creamy, bursting with flavor and always a crowd pleaser.
More Healthy Holiday Meals: This Week on AOL Health
Photo: jupiterimages
Get your game face on. It may be early, but that doesn't mean the feasting hasn't commenced. While some of you don't have the heart to skimp on the fat to make your Thanksgiving recipes any healthier, others may have been taking careful notes while That's Fit's resident nutritionist, Tanya Zuckerbrot, transformed your traditional recipes into low fat, lighter fare (cornbread, pumpkin pie or the whole Thanksgiving feast). If you're still hungry for more healthy holiday meals, AOL Health has got simple swaps, such as shrimp cocktail for deep-fried anything, to keep your calorie count down during the holidays.
Feeling guilty even before the holiday season gets into full-swing? Add this exercise to your workout to keep you lean and toned.
Thanksgiving Gut Buster Workout

One of the more colorful emails to appear in my inbox this month was a compendium of Thanksgiving-themed exercises, courtesy of New York Sports Club (a subset of the Town Sports International gym chain). Assembled by Master Trainer Amy Hoff, the collection promised to "help even the most overindulgent combat the year's biggest holiday meal." Sure, I'll take that.
The team at NYSC had actually taken time to connect the calorie burn of each exercise to a serving of a particular Thanksgiving food. In other words, according to their research, a set of "Jiggle Buster Jumps" could work off two slices of turkey (100 calories a slice). Three sets of "Pumpkin Pie Push Ups" might burn off not (as I'd first assumed) a slice of pie, but rather a half cup of stuffing (250 calories). The pie business (350 calories), it turns out, promises to be taken care of with three sets "Second Serving Squats." Should I want to wind things down with a glass of wine (95 calories), I'd be in for three sets of "Football Runs."
In the interest of full disclosure, I'll admit I didn't actually eat the foods in question on the day I tested these, but I ate a whole lot of other bad-for-me things. In other words, the will was definitely there.
Thanksgiving: Pick Your Poison
Photo: Corbis
The November issue of Self Magazine suggests that many people fear Thanksgiving. Fear? Seems like an odd emotion for a day where you give thanks to the universe for everything it has provided. However, when you consider that Thanksgiving is on record as the single most fattening day of the year, the fear begins to make sense.
Many people gain an average of one pound each year during the holiday season, a pound that begins its growth spurt on Thanksgiving Day when, according to the American Council on Exercise, many of us eat over 3,000 calories not including snacks and drinks. Sixteen little ounces may not seem like such a big deal until you consider they typically pile on year after year and ultimately blossom into 10 pounds of excess weight over the course of each decade. Now that is something to fear – for your appearance and your health.
Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes: Stuffing, Green Bean Casserole and More
Thanksgiving Dinner Satisfaction And Perfect Portion Control: Time to Celebrate
Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements
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| Photo: Allison Fishman |
First and foremost, "Prepare your favorites. It's not the time to skimp," Fishman explained. If you don't, she added, "As my dad would say, you're going to be sitting there with a 'broygis punim,' [that's sad face in Yiddish]. This is family, this is Thanksgiving. Let loose and enjoy." But there is room for a little diet-friendly compromise. "If pumpkin pie's your favorite thing in the world, I'm not going to tell you not to have it, but you could make crustless pumpkin pie. [The crust] contains a tremendous amount of calories, fat -- leave it off. The only food that should go into your mouth is food you absolutely love."
That's Fit: How do you go about changing your cooking style for health considerations?
Allison Fishman: I grew up with mashed potatoes that were made with a container of sour cream. Now I make mine with buttermilk. Buttermilk is naturally fat-free. I think they're a little bit gross and heavy now that I've got the other version.
Simple Thanksgiving Swaps
Recipe Rehab with Tanya Zuckerbrot, Nutrition & Supplements
Photo: Corbis
The holidays are a time to get together with family and friends. However, the focus of our holidays usually revolves mainly around the food we are serving. And, with the average Thanksgiving meal (turkey, stuffing, candied yams, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie) totaling more than 2,500 calories, it is no wonder why the average American will gain between 9-11 pounds from Thanksgiving to New Years. This year, I have some easy Thanksgiving swaps that will save you hundreds of calories.
1. Easy Pan Gravy:
This pan gravy removes the fat from the pan juices, saving you over 100 calories per 1/4 cup traditional gravy. Combine in a medium sauce pan over medium-high heat, 1 Tablespoon olive oil and 2 Tablespoons flour. Whisk constantly until the flour mixture turns golden brown, about two minutes. Next, add 1 cup of fat-free chicken stock and 1 cup pan juices (that have been skimmed of the fat). Continue stirring until gravy comes to a full boil and thickens.
2. Sweet Potato Souffle:
I save calories from the traditional sweet potato souffle by using egg beaters and a small tin of crushed pineapple for sweetness instead of sugar. I also top it with a high fiber cereal, such as Kellogg's All-Bran Buds mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a packet of Splenda for a crunchy topping.
3. Spruced Up Stuffing:
I give your regular stuffing recipe a boost by using Thomas' English Muffins Light Multigrain instead of bread. Each muffin has only 100 calories and provides you with 8g of fiber. I add egg beaters, low calorie butter spread and lots of vegetables for a crunch factor (water chestnuts, mushrooms, celery, shredded carrot).
4. Cranberry Sauce:
You are going to love this cranberry sauce, it is easy to prepare and so delicious! You save nearly 300 calories by using whole cranberries, Splenda and frozen berries. Once you try this recipe, you will never go back to canned cranberry sauce!
Fattening Holiday Foods, Avoid Social Eating Sabbotage and More: Twitter Finds
Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements

[Editor's Plug: Check out our interview with "Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat" author Dr. Michell May]

Overwhelmed by all of the "Follow Friday" recommendations on Twitter? Each week AOL Health's Twitter alias Healthpop and That's_Fit search the Twittersphere for the greatest diet and fitness Twitterers, and each week, we'll highlight the best-of their best tweets (no Twits here). Got any great advice for our Fit Follow Friday post? Give us a shout on Twitter and let us know all about it!
Pumpkin Pie
Recipe Rehab with Tanya Zuckerbrot, Nutrition & Supplements
Recipe may vary from photograph.
Photo: jupiterimages
After indulging during Thanksgiving dinner, a slice of pumpkin pie may seems out of the question if you're watching your waistline. Think again! Did you know that pumpkin pie can actually be good for you?
Pumpkins are rich in vitamins and minerals including fiber, folate, magnesium, potassium and vitamins C and E. Pumpkins also contain carotenoids, a phytochemical responsible for the orange-red color of certain fruits and vegetables. Carotenoids have been shown to lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by preventing oxidation of cholesterol in the arteries. The two carotenoids found in pumpkins are alpha and beta-carotene, which convert vitamin A in the body and are essential for normal growth, immunity and development.
Who knew pumpkin pie could really be so sweet? I have created a delicious version with half the calories of the classic. I use Fiber One cereal to make a crunchy crust instead of a pie dough. I also use a fat-free egg substitute to give the filling a creamy texture and a slice with 200 fewer calories than a traditional recipe.
Try this delicious pumpkin pie!
Light Thanksgiving Recipes: Traditional Menus, Cranberry Sauce, Sweet Potato Casserole and More
Diet & Weight Loss, Nutrition & Supplements
Haven't decided which Thanksgiving recipes you'll be trying out this year? Whether you're counting your calories, trying to avoid a binge or just stick to your normal healthy eating habits, we've pulled together a list of light, low-fat and vegetarian recipes for you to try out this holiday season.
Got a favorite Thanksgiving recipe you want made-over? Nutritionist Tanya Zuckerbrot will revamp your favorite meal with a healthy twist. Plus, check out her low-fat pumpkin pie recipe.
Thanksgiving - Did You Overdo It?

Thanksgiving - 'tis the time for over indulgence, stretchy pants and naps after dinner. Oh, and friends and family, giving thanks, yadda yadda yadda. I know I always eat too much at Thanksgiving -- what about you? I asked you last week if you overdid it -- here's what you said:
- 17 percent of you said yes -- your belt is still tight.
- 20 percent of you said you did, but it could have been worse -- you stopped after seconds, not thirds.
- 40 percent of you said you were full but not stuffed.
- 21 percent of you stopped when you had satisfied your hunger.
So the majority of you didn't indulge in some rampant gluttonous feast -- good for you! Keep up the good work come Christmas.

You Told Us ... What Your Favourite Thanksgiving Dish Is

Ah Thanksgiving. Is there anything better than a day dedicated to food, family, friends and fabulous slothfulness? It's all great, but one of our favourite aspects of the day is the food.
So last week, I asked you what your favourite Thanksgiving Day dish is. Here's what you had to say:
- 32 percent of you love the stuffing.
- 22 percent of you love potatoes -- either mashed or sweet.
- 20 percent of you love turkey the best.
- 16 percent of you hold out for dessert -- it's your favourite part of the meal.
- 8 percent of you love the veggies.
- 2 percent of you are crazy about cranberry sauce.
Thanks for sharing ... though all of a sudden. I'm feeling a bit hungry.
You Told Us ... What You Love Most About Thanksgiving

Ah, Thanksgiving. Isn't it a great day? I hope yours was fantastic. Last week, prior to the big day, I asked you what you loved most about Turkey Day. Here's what you had to say:
- 31 percent of you -- the majority -- just love Thanksgiving, and everything about it. I'm with you guys on this one.
- 17 percent of you are crazy about the food.
- 17 percent love the time with friends and family the most.
- 14 percent of you love having the day off work.
- 11 percent of you don't like anything about Thanksgiving. Bah Humbug!
Thanks for sharing your feelings towards Thanksgiving -- it's good to know I'm not alone in my love for this day. Be sure to vote in other Your Turn polls and stay tuned for more results!




































