What we're really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?
- Erma Bombeck
Welcome to the first issue of the new Mom to Mom newsletter! Having a family is awesome, full of fun, laughter, and conversation – there are definitely not many dull moments with kids around! Having a family also means that you are incredibly busy – it truly seems that a mom’s work is never done. Often your plans to get into shape fall by the wayside of the stacks of work involved in raising a family.
Here are some quick and easy things that you can do this month, geared towards that most glorious of holidays, Thanksgiving. It’s my very favorite – no gift buying, no pressure to do more, more, more – just a day to get together with friends and family and share a great meal. Let’s make sure that we have the most enjoyable, healthy Thanksgiving holiday possible!
From my home to yours,
Carmen
Fitness: Thanksgiving Day Activities
Let’s face it – everyone loves to visit with family on Thanksgiving, and everyone loves to eat. We’ve all seen the stereotypical sketch of the family stretched out on sofas and lounging around after eating a huge meal, but that’s really not the best choice. Instead, take a walk around the block with your family – that way, you can visit with Aunt Janice while stretching your legs and helping your body digest the meal.
- If you have a park nearby, you could stop and have an impromptu soccer game – parents versus kids!
- Another great alternative is playing the Wii. Create two teams that are evenly mixed with both ages and sports talent and pit them against each other at boxing, jump rope or hang gliding. You might be amazed at just who the really competitive people are in your family!
Family: Mealtime Conversation Starters
When you have an entire family together, the conversation can become loud and overwhelming, with people fighting to be heard.
The week before your big dinner, have your children cut some construction paper into playing card pieces. On those, print conversational starters. A few examples:
- You are going to be alone on a deserted island for a year and you get to take one book/DVD/CD. What would you take?
- If you could invent something to make your life easier, what would it be?
On the other side of the card, write or print names and place these name cards on top of each person’s plate. When you sit down at the table, select one person to start and everyone at the table answers their question. It’s a nice way to find out more about some of your favorite people!
This is a terrific use for all that leftover turkey!
Ingredients
- 1/4 c. margarine
- 1/3 c. flour
- 1 c. turkey or chicken stock, heated until warm
- 2 c. skim milk, heated until scalding hot
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 c. blanched almonds, slivered and toasted
- 1 c. brown rice, cooked to a yield of 4 c.
- 2 1/2 c. diced, cooked turkey
- 1 (3 or 4 oz.) can mushrooms, drained or 6 oz fresh, sauteed in non-stick spray
- 1/2 c. chopped pimiento or roasted red peppers
- 1/3 c. chopped green pepper, roasted in oven until soft
- Peppers may be substituted with starchy vegetables like peas or corn
Instructions
- Cook rice
- In a large size pan, melt margarine, blend in flour and cook until light brown
- Stir in small amounts of hot broth and milk
- Add liquid slowly while stirring constantly. Mixture will be thick, like paste
- Continue to add liquid until gravy like consistency is achieved
- Stir in remaining ingredients except almonds
- Pour into spray treated 9"x13" pan. Top with almonds and bake at 350 degrees,uncovered
- May omit salt for no salt low cholesterol diet
- For added health benefit, toss almonds with nutty wheat germ for a crunchy topping with added fiber
Enjoy more Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes:
Chef Rocco's Thanksgiving Recipes from Biggest Loser
Healthy Thanksgiving Recipe Guide
Fun: Jokes for the family
These jokes you can share with your entire family, even your Grandma!
Q: What did the turkey say to the man who tried to shoot it?
A: Liberty, Equality and Bad aim for all.
Q: What are the feathers on a turkey's wings called?
A: Turkey feathers
Q: How can you send a turkey through the Post Office?
A: Bird Class Mail
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