BariatricEating.com Health & Nutrition
Linda’s Recipe & Cooking Forum!
Don’t be afraid of Thanksgiving!
Of
all the traditions in our American life Thanksgiving seems to be the one
with the least amount of wiggle room when it comes to the foods we prepare
and eat. Especially for those not dealing with WLS. Non-ops are very unwilling
to compromise when it comes to this meal!
It’s good and commendable to try to make the food healthy and pouch-worthy, it really is. But in doing so remember that not everyone in your household or who you will be cooking for this year has had the surgery and never bargained on changing their way of eating. Remember that sneaking in healthier alternatives along with the old stand-bys will go a long way in keeping the peace and happiness during the holidays.
Susan has posted a Thanksgiving Menu on the store site that is full of new and exciting dishes as well as the favorites made healthier. (I’ve been making turkey for years and always did well, but last year I followed her cooking instructions and it turned out wonderfully moist and gorgeous!)
Lightening up some of your tried and true recipes by using 1/4 less butter or half & half instead of heavy cream…not drenching the salad in fattening dressing or putting the stuffing in a casserole dish instead of in the bird, will decrease calories without sacrificing taste.
Offering full-sugared versions of pies, cookies and cakes for your guests is wonderful. Making a few of the same sugar-free is not only good for you, but someone else may appreciate the gesture as well. (If the dessert uses Natures Sweet sugar replacers, or the sugar-free maple syrup and honey be sure to warn folks – discreetly – about the possible side-effects. Or better yet, cut and dish up the goodies in portions that will be safe.)
If you will be a guest in someone’s home bring a dessert that you know is safe for you. Graciously explaining your situation to the host or hostess is usually met with positive acceptance...they want you to have a wonderful time, too!
Don’t let the Thanksgiving holiday bring on a panic-attack thinking about what or what not to eat. The turkey, salad, gravy, cheese/meat plates, olives, a bite of sweet potatoes, and a wonderful sugar-free dessert are nothing to cry about!! You can pick and choose from all of these foods in full confidence that you will be fine.
Whether you are cooking or going as a guest be THANKFUL that you are
alive this year and are still here to be in this situation at all!
