* Little by Little* Monthly Newsletter for November 2012

Little by Little* Newsletter...November 2012

 

Helpful Hints for preparing a Thanksgiving Turkey.

It is best to defrost your turkey in the refrigerator. Allow a minimum of 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey...If you need to speed up the defrost time, it is safe to defrost the turkey in a large sink of cold water. If the wrapping is torn, place the bird in a bag,close securely. Change water every 30 minutes to make sure the water remains cold. Allow 30 minutes of defrost time per pound.

Can the turkey be cooked overnight at a lower temperature? NO! Because of the low temperature (250 degrees), the turkey and stuffing can take more than 4 hours to reach a high enough temperature to destroy bacteria...A turkey is done when the temperature reaches 180 to 185 degrees; stuffing temperature should reach 165 degrees. Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.

Baste your bird with low-sodium chicken broth or white wine instead of butter to cut calories and fat.

 

Pumpkin Fluff

1 4-serving box sugar-free vanilla pudding
1 4-serving box sugar-free cheesecake pudding
3 cups skim milk (1) 15-ounce can pumpkin
pumpkin pie spice to taste ( approx 1 - 1 ½ Tsp )
Open both boxes of pudding and place in mixing bowl. Pour in skim milk and use mixer to blend. Add pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice and thoroughly blend in using mixer...Spoon into dessert dishes and place in refrigerator to chill.

 

MAY YOUR STUFFING BE TASTY,
MAY YOUR TURKEY BE PLUMP.
MAY YOUR POTATOES 'N GRAVY HAVE NARY A LUMP.
MAY YOUR YAMS BE DELICIOUS.
MAY YOUR PIES TAKE THE PRIZE,
MAY YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER STAY OFF OF YOUR THIGHS!!

 

Turkeys can drown if they look up in the rain...True or False?...Answer is True!

A male Turkey makes a Gobble Gobble sound...The female makes a Cluck Cluck Sound

 

Stop the Taste-Testing Habit...You may be eating a lot of calories when you taste your foods as you cook. To stop this natural habit, try chewing gum while you prepare your meals. Each time you are tempted to sneak a bite, you’ll have to take the gum out of your mouth. This will make you more conscious of what you’re doing.

 

Mashed potatoes usually contain a lot of fat and calories because of the butter, cream, or whole milk that is used...Slim down by using skim milk along with your choice of low-fat or fat-free varieties of sour cream, cream cheese or yogurt for added creaminess.

Cut pies into smaller slices for automatic

portion control and fewer calories per slice.

 

Remember - a healthy breakfast is a good start to the day - don't skip breakfast - allow time for it before starting your holiday cooking.

 

Take the time to sit down and make out a healthy menu for your holiday meals...Make out a grocery list and buy only the items on it... Stick with your plan. You've overcome temptations and slip-ups before. Every day poses challenges, so remain strong and continue to make progress toward your goals.

 

Bring your own food. This is a great tip if you're heading to a party and don't know what everyone else will be preparing... Pick a healthy, low-cal recipe , something that you will enjoy... And no matter what kind of food is there, you'll have at least one dish you can eat with confidence.

 

Focus on people... Isn't that what the holidays are all about? At parties and gatherings, enjoy the good conversation and activities instead of hovering around the food table. Create lasting memories that don't revolve around eating, and you won't feel like you're missing out.

 

Remember that Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, be grateful, and enjoy the company of loved ones. You don't have to go overboard to celebrate this special holiday. Hopefully these tips will help you to make good choices, choices that will make you feel good about yourself !!!

 

But most of all, keep in mind that your fellow support group members of * Little by Little* are there for you...Don't be afraid to contact someone and ask for help & guidance...Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!!!

 

CLUCK CLUCK... says Tammy Hoff