Are You Ready for a Not-So-Fat Tuesday?

Today is Fat Tuesday, aka Mardi Gras, which is the last day of feasting before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.  To give you a little history lesson, today is the final day of the festivities known as Carnival.  Mardi Gras is celebrated in predominately Catholic locations around the world and even though many of us are more aware of the parties, costumes and beads associated with Mardi Gras, it actually has religious origins in the Catholic calendar as well as in the pre-Christian pagan celebrations.  Fat Tuesday was named because it was a time of extravagant feasting of rich goods such as meat or pancakes before the upcoming fast of Lent.

Now that you've had your mini-history lesson, let's look at how you can survive Mardi Gras without busting your waistline and all the hard work you've put into your body recently.  Although, to some of us, gobbling down a few beignets (French version of a doughnut) sounds good during Mardi Gras, I don't think it's a wise choice.  A beignet is basically a deep fried ball of yeast dough sprinkled with powdered sugar.  Some beignets are lower in fat and calories than a doughnut but is still not a recommended treat for everyday consumption.  So if you are looking for a few healthy food choices for Fat Tuesday check out these recipes.

Creole Shrimp Kabobs with Couscous
A fiery seafood meal with only 311 calories per serving.
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Get this Fat Tuesday recipe

Blackened Shrimp Po’ Boy
This is a creamy, scrumptious way to serve seafood.
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Get this Fat Tuesday recipe

 

Easy Cajun Jambalaya
Easier version to make with under 500 calories per serving!!!
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Get this Fat Tuesday recipe
 

Finally, enjoy your Mardi Gras pancakes without the guilt.  Try this recipe for guilt-free Banana Applesauce Pancakes with only 61 calories per serving!!!

Get this Fat Tuesday recipe




Remember, just because a holiday is centered around food, it is possible to make wise food choices.  Don't be afraid to try something new or better yet, try your hand in the kitchen making low-fat, low-calorie, high-taste foods!!  Still need some help making those food choices that won't bust your waistline?  Come in and talk with our nutrition specialist at PROMATx Health Club.  We are here to help!!

Thanksgiving Calorie Blowout!!!

Thanksgiving is almost upon us.  In typical American fashion, we have outdone ourselves and have made a seemingly simple, healthy meal into a fat-laden, overindulging feast!  If you check on the internet for the calorie content of a typical American Thanksgiving meal, you'll find numbers ranging from 2,200 to over 4,500!  Remember, one pound of fat is equivalent to 3,500 calories.  Most people have a daily calorie requirement of 1,700 to 2,100.

Depending on what part of the country you reside (or were raised) and depending on your ethnic background, the contents of the Thanksgiving meal differ.  A "typical" meal can consist of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes/yams, cranberry sauce, gravy, green bean casserole, rolls and salad.  Dessert typically is comprised of pecan, pumpkin and/or apple pie, cheesecake, and, of course, whipped topping.  Drinks range from champagne, wine, and egg nog to sodas and sparkling cider.  Do your pants feel a little tighter just reading that menu??  On top of all of that food, we very rarely have only one-serving of many of these items.  After all, most of us have the day off and for some, it's the only time we get to see our extended family.  Why not celebrate and indulge?

Food is a common way to celebrate.  We have cake and ice cream during birthday celebrations; there's candy and sweets for Valentine's day and Halloween; we hit the barbecue for July 4th, Labor day and Memorial day.  Why shouldn't we have a feast at Thanksgiving?  There's nothing wrong with using food for celebration as long as it is used wisely.  Take a look at your dinner plate and 2/3 of it should have fruits, vegetables and whole grains.  The remaining 1/3 should have lean protein.  You still can enjoy all the foods that family members bring to the Thanksgiving table...just remember proportion and moderation!

Here's an example of a Thanksgiving dinner makeover that will save you calories and inches...

Instead of this....

8 oz champagne                                                              170

6 oz turkey, white & dark meat w/ skin                            345

1/4 cup gravy                                                                   30

1 cup standard stuffing                                                    500
2 candied sweet potatoes                                                 285

1 cup buttered, steamed green beans                                 70

2 rolls, buttered                                                               240

1/4 cup canned cranberry sauce                                        105

1 slice pecan pie, with whipped topping                             520

TOTAL CALORIES                                                          2265

Have this....

4 oz champagne                                                                85

6 oz turkey, white meat, no skin                                      230

1/4 cup low-fat gravy                                                        20

1 cup low-fat stuffing                                                       125
I cup acorn squash                                                           115

1 cup steamed green beans                                                35

2 rolls                                                                              170

1/4 cup low-sugar cranberry sauce                                      85

1 slice pumpkin pie                                                          175

TOTAL CALORIES                                                           1040

We know that very few people will have a 400-calorie meal on Thanksgiving but make wise choices this year.  Keep the holiday simple and stress-free for a change.  Remember what Thanksgiving is about and give thanks for the people and things that are important in your life.  Cherish time with family and friends, enjoy time away from work (if possible), and be healthy and happy!

From the PROMATx Health Club family...happy (early) Thanksgiving!!