What To Do With Leftovers!

The days after Thanksgiving are usually reserved for hanging with family, napping, and of course, eating Thanksgiving over and over again. Here is an incredibly quick and easy recipe for a light turkey soup that will brighten up those leftovers and is packed with protein and Vitamin B6 essential for healthy brain function.

Thanksgiving Soup:

• 6 cups fat free, low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup brown rice, washed
• 1 carrot, fine dice
• 1 celery stalk, fine dice
• 1 cup cooked white turkey meat
• 1/2 cup leftover vegetables like brussel sprouts, potatoes, etc.
• salt and pepper to taste

In a large saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil then reduce to a simmer over low-medium heat. Add carrots, celery and rice and let simmer for 20 minutes or until rice and vegetables are soft. Add cooked turkey and the remaining vegetables. Continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serves 4-6

Happy Holidays!

Is it Possible to Eat Healthy During the Holidays?

We think so!  Here are some helpful tips to set your family up for success, which may also start a few healthy holiday eating traditions!

• Set yourself up for a positive outcome by setting the achievable goal of maintaining your current weight through the end of the year. 
• Start each day with a substantial high-protein, low-fat breakfast that will keep you satisfied and resilient to morning and noon-time temptations. Try egg whites, low fat cheese with whole grain bread, non-fat yogurt with whole grain cereal, etc.
• Whether you're a cook or a guest at Thanksgiving, re-mix a traditional side dish by making a much healthier version of the original. Instead of a green bean casserole with gloppy canned goo and canned fried whatchamacallits, blanch fresh green beans for just 2 or 3 minutes until they are tender-crisp, drain, toss with a touch of olive oil and a little bit of salt and top with toasted sliced almonds. For a new take on sweet potatoes, make our recipea for kid-friendly Moroccan-Style Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon, Raisins and Walnuts. 
• For dessert, make a low-calorie pumpkin pie so that, no matter what anyone else brings, you have a healthy option.
• On Turkey day, have a little something before dinner time with your kids like a piece of fruit or yogurt to curb everyone's holiday appetite. Stick with white meat and then select one or two sides and forego the rest.
• Try to stay active, even when it's dreary outside. Take the family ice skating or try walking briskly from store to store in the mall while you do your holiday shopping.

Sources: 

* northjersey.com