Turn that holiday feast into a power meal

By: Jeff

Turn your holiday meal into a POWER meal!

So many people gripe and complain about the heavy-sided meals over the holidays. It starts with Thanksgiving, then those office holiday parties, then the big holiday feast followed by a New Year's extravaganza. A lot of food to be had by all, but isn't there a way to make these meals healthier and avoiding the food hangover most feel in the days afterwards? The answer is YES, you can.

Whether you are providing the meal, or simply a side dish, keep in mind you want to focus on some basic staples to keep you in the power zone, and not the flabby zone.

When filling up your plate, go heavy on the vegetables. Now, before you think that corn casserole consists of good vegetables, think again. Look for steamed, grilled or even roasted vegetables. Your party not having those? Then bring them. You can eat as many of those vegetables as you can gather on your plate.

Next, go for the protein. Turkey, ham or chicken doesn't matter. White meat or dark meat doesn't matter either. Go for the protein sources which will help you fill up and will compliment the vegetables on your plate wonderfully.

Then, go for the yams before the mashed potatoes. If you are looking for something mashed, bake some sweet potatoes (or yams), peal the skin (although I like leaving the skin on) and mash them using a hand-held masher. Throw on some natural organic butter and enjoy.

Wait a second, there is something missing. What about those cranberries?! Can't have a feast without the cranberries. I have you covered there too. My lovely wife makes a mean cranberry relish which consists of cranberries, apples, pineapple and oranges put in a food processor for your pleasure. To say this goes as a good topping for your protein source might be the understatement of the year.

So, by eliminating the starches (stuffing, mashed potatoes and rolls) you are having an awesome meal without killing your waistline.

I should have prefaced this information with exercise. It could be as simple as you going for a walk the morning of the big feast, or even after the feast if the weather suits you, but know you will be assisting your body in taking those calories (a calorie is a unit of energy, by the way) and utilizing them as fuel so they don't turn to flab.

If you can get out and exercise the day of the meal, stick to the above guidelines when eating your dinner, then you have rewarded yourself with a light dessert. Look for the least dense options for dessert, and stick to only one helping. After all, you are entitled to enjoy a slice of pie.

By doing all this, not only will you be keeping yourself in check, but you will be avoiding the 2-3 pounds the average American puts on over the holidays, but wait...there's more!

What about the booze? If you are going to drink, do so moderately. Nothing can set you back more than the empty calories in alcohol, and yes even wine. Try sticking to the distilled drinks with less sugar like gin, vodka and rum to cut down on the sugar content...and always drink in moderation. If you are going to have a beer or two, or a glass of wine, be sure to contain yourself.

Below are some recipes you can try as substitutes for your festivities that surely will be crowd pleasers! Happy Holidays everyone and stay healthy!

Cranberry Relish

1 bag cranberries (whole)
20 oz. cans crushed pineapples (w/ juice)
2 Oranges (peeled)
2 Apples (pealed and cut)

Place everything into a food processor until ground evenly. Chill before serving. This can be adjusted depending on how much you wanted to make.

Cauliflower Mash
(Had this for a friend who would NEVER eat mashed cauliflower. Didn't tell him what it was, he thought it was mashed potatoes. It is REALLY good)

3 heads of cauliflower
1 container of sour cream
1 container of cream cheese (w/ chive)
4 tsp of butter
Salt
Pepper

Cut the cauliflower into florets and boil. When fork tender, drain the water and crush cauliflower with hand-held masher. When resembling a smooth consistency, add the butter, add the cream cheese (use sparingly until you get the flavor and consistency you desire) and finish with the sour cream (also use sparingly). Finish with the seasoning of salt and pepper and enjoy!