Thanksgiving Exercise and Weight Loss Tips

This month's Weight Loss tips are dedicated to Thanksgiving. With this family holiday just around the corner, it's time to start thinking about the menu. Thanksgiving dinner's can be high in fat and calories, so plan for some healthy snacks, appetizers and even desserts to reduce the number of calories in this meal.

Weight Loss Tip #1

Think Veggies

When planning your Thanksgiving dinner to skimp on the vegetables. These are a great way to add low calorie yet filling appetizers, snacks and side dishes. As you prepare your turkey, cut up some carrots, celery and peppers. Get some low fat dipping sauces and set these out for yourself and your guests. Then munch on these instead of being tempted to eat that piece of pie before dinner is even served.

Weight Loss Tip #2

Shirts and Skins

Okay, I'm not talking football here although it is the season. Instead I am talking about making your turkey skinless. If you are cooking for just a couple of people this Thanksgiving, try picking up some skinless turkey breasts instead of a small turkey. The skin (while tasty) adds extra fat and calories that you can do without and still get the scrumptious turkey meat for your Thanksgiving meal. Just season them and then bake them in fat free chicken or turkey broth for a moist and delicious meal.

Of course if you are having lots of guests, foregoing the skin may not be an option. Still try and go skinless when it comes time to eat. Just peal away the skin and eat only the meat. Although you are still getting some of the calories and fat from the baking time, you will still be reducing this a bit.

Game Time!

Okay, this time I am talking football but I don't mean sitting down and watching the big game. Instead, have a pre-game family game. Gather everyone up and try a friendly (but not rough) family game of tag football. Once the turkey goes in the oven you have plenty of time before the sides have to be prepared. So get everyone outside (even the cook) and do some sort of fun activity. It doesn't have to be football, it could just be a quick family walk. Of course this all depends on the weather. So if it's too cold outside, plug in the Wii game for a round of tennis or golf. See how Wii games can help you get fit.

Squash Turkey Soup

You can make this soup as a warm starter dish or make it as a great way to use up the left over turkey. What You Need:

• 3 Cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 (8 oz) pkg. fresh mushroom slices
• 1 Cup celery, chopped
• 1 Small onion, chopped
• 1 Garlic clove, minced
• 2 Cups turkey, skinless
• 1 Cup wild rice
• 4 Cups turkey broth
• 1 Teaspoon thyme
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 1/4 Teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 Cup light whipping cream
• 3 Tablespoons cornstarch

How to Make It:

1. Place the squash, mushroom slices, celery, onion and garlic into the crock pot.
2. Place the turkey meat on top.
3. Next add in the uncooked rice.
4. Pour in the broth.
5. Add the thyme, salt and pepper being sure to stir well to incorporate all the ingredients together.
6. Cover and cook on low 6 hours.
7. Pour the whipping cream into a small bowl.
8. Whisk in the cornstarch until smooth.
9. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the crock pot.
10. Place the heat on high, cover and continue cooking an additional 30 minutes.

Number of Servings: 6

Nutrition Information Per Serving

Calories 226; Fat (g) 4; Fiber (g)3; Protein (g)27; Carbs (g)21;

WW Points 4

Try these other Thanksgiving Soup Recipes

Exercise 4 Weight Loss 2 Achieve Fitness and Health

Best wishes from your diet buddy