the whole nut

have a happy (& healthy) Thanksgiving!

November 24th, 2009

I’m in full baking mode this week as I prep for my Thanksgiving Day contribution: dessert. I’m fortunate to be able to spend it with my boyfriend’s family (since mine are out in California) and it has sort of become “my thing” to do a dessert. This is very serious for me, and I spend a fair amount of time trying to find the perfect dessert that is on the healthier side without compromising taste. (my boyfriend politely asked me to make a “normal” dessert instead of my usual sugar-free options. I pick my battles…)

The problem is that I’m an incessant snacker, grazer, taster.. whatever you want to call it. The cheese board is my worst enemy (for several reasons). And in the past, so was baking. I had a tendency to do major damage before even opening the oven door. These were the “small things” that would hurt me.

Each little taste here or there (which in my head, were “nothing”) added up so that by the time I got to the cheese–well, what harm could a little Brie do? Or by that point, what harm could an entire wedge of Brie do? (answer: lots) And you can only imagine how the rest of the meal played out. I had it all wrong.

But, it doesn’t have to be that way. I know what it feels like when I’ve overstuffed myself, and I don’t like it. I also know what it feels like to feel good when I make smart choices. And I’m going to remember that when I’m at the dinner table! Yes, it’s a day for indulging, but it’s not a day to go overboard.

And yes, it is possible to make healthier dishes without compromising taste! And it doesn’t have to be sugar-free. It may be a little late for this year’s feast (or not?), but take a look at a few Thanksgiving sides featured on last week’s NYTimes Well column. Smart but still delicious.

Enjoy the day and all that comes with it, but don’t throw all caution to the wind! Remember to truly enjoy and appreciate the meal, and savor each and every bite. Sample the stuffing, gravy and dessert, but do so knowing it’s a treat. Don’t give yourself servings large enough to make up for what you haven’t had all year. All things in moderation.

So in a few hours when the kitchen gets messy and I have tasty batter and chocolate floating all around me, I’ll sample (of course I will). But I’m going to remind myself that taking one too many swipes from the mixing bowl will only leave me feeling blah, and I’m not a fan of feeling blah. I’m going to hold myself accountable! And if I can do it, and so can you.

Happy Thanksgiving Day! Here’s to making healthy choices even in the call of duty.

Filed under: Food for Thought

Tags: baking, dessert, healthy, healthy recipes, healthy thanksgiving sides, New York Times Well, nutritious, thanksgiving dinner, tips for a healthy thanksgiving