For the dieters on Turkey Day!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I am thankful for many things. Family and friends are at the top of my list. I am also thankful to everyone that has helped make Mangia!~ a success! Thanks for all your business! Here is a twist to all the postings I do with treats on them! This should help you stay on track today! Do you know that the average person consumes 4,000 calories today? Have a wonderful day!!!!

Smart Strategies for Thanksgiving Day

Happy Thanksgiving from Mangia!~ Having a plan to help you avoid overdoing it at the dining table today is a good idea, but there's one strategy that's actually a recipe for failure: fasting before the big meal. Total deprivation leads to extreme hunger, cravings, and, inevitably, overeating at mealtime — Fortunately, there are better tactics you can use to sidestep overeating on Thanksgiving and throughout the year. Here are a few to keep in mind:

1. Eat healthy meals and snacks throughout the day. Enjoy full and nutritious –friendly meals at breakfast and lunch, opting for healthy foods like lean protein, wholesome veggies, nutrient-dense fruits and whole grains (on Phases 2 and 3), good fats from foods like nuts and extra-virgin olive oil, and low-fat or fat-free dairy. As always, don't forget to include your strategic mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks. The trick is to continue eating as close to your normal schedule as possible so that you arrive at the holiday meal no hungrier than usual. With hunger pangs at bay, you'll be better able to pass up sugary and starchy carbs and bad fats (like butter) and choose friendly foods (like lean skinless turkey breast and plenty of vegetables) instead.

2. Engage in physical activity. Your appetite is suppressed immediately following exercise. Working in some exercise also helps keep blood sugar levels in the normal range, which curbs cravings. So take a brisk walk around your neighborhood before heading off to your holiday dinner or before your guests arrive.

3. Enlist help. A like-minded spouse, relative or friend can motivate you to stick with the lifestyle changes you've made during the holidays. He or she can be the friendly voice inside your head — or online or on the telephone — that reminds you to stay on course. At the very least, your "helper" can encourage you to get back on track should you stray

   4.Allow yourself a few indulgences. Go ahead and have a small slice of traditional pumpkin pie, a few pieces of dark chocolate, or whatever family favorite you look forward to during the holidays. you can — and should — enjoy the occasional treat. Just be sure to enjoy a small portion, savor every bite, and get back to following your meal plan first thing in the morning.

Countdown to TURKEY DAY

Well good day everyone, oh how I missed you! I thought the perfect way to get back to the blog is to chat about our upcoming fav holiday in the Brandi fam and that is Turkey Day!~
My mom is the most organized woman when it comes to planning a holiday gathering. She will start making her plans, for dinner at my sisters in a few days.....and everything I have learned was taught to me by who else? Mom!
So to those out there that maybe having their 'first' Thanksgiving Dinner or to those that want to get more organized. Here are some tips for you!
* NOW---- Let's think about how much space to you actually have. Do you have a double oven? Do you have a spare fridge in the basement or garage? Start planning your menu. How much can you make ahead? How much will have to stored? Are you cooking the turkey in the oven or on the Weber grill? We began cooking the turkey on the Weber grill because we had no more room in the oven. It turns out so nice and juicy! Now if you are cooking the turkey in the oven you have to choose recipes that will fit in the oven with the turkey and cook at the same temperature.
----If your guests ask what they can bring, answer very carefully. Where are you going to put it, while socializing? In the fridge that is full? Is the spare fridge full? Or maybe it will be cold enough to set outside or in the garage. If your fridge and oven will be full then let them bring dished you can heat or reheat in the microwave. Or have them bring something that can be brought in a crock-pot. Or better yet, have them bring the rolls from the bakery or fresh homemade bread!
---Let's start making the list of menu items. Note off to the side how long those specific dishes take to bake. What time should you put them in the oven. Keep this handy for Turkey Day also.
2 weeks before----Start shopping. Ok I know you think I am crazy however I of all people know what it is like in these stores the week prior. So please save yourself the hassle and please start shopping now. You can buy your non-perishable groceries this week. Buy the turkey this week. I am sure there are some deals. If not who really cares how much it cost for a little sanity? Also, pick up some extra storage containers and zip-loc baggies!
4 days before--- Start thawing your turkey. You have no clue how many people do buy in advance and try to thaw out the day of Thanksgiving. ALLOW 24 HOURS FOR EVERY 4 POUNDS. SO A 15-16 POUND TURKEY WILL TAKE 4 DAYS TO THAW IN THE FRIDGE!
3-2 days before--- Final shopping. Buy your veggies and perishables and anything you forgot. Remember the stores are open in the AM on Thanksgiving but seriously you should be organized. You can also set your table. Cover with a clean old sheet. Also, buy some extra carrots and celery and other items that you may need to make Turkey Noodle Soup! PS don't forget the garnishes, parsley or kale for a veggie tray, napkins or of course the Coca-Cola!
1 day before--- Make ahead day. Mashed potates, dressing, salad dressing, sides, desserts and breads. Check out my sample menu.
TURKEY DAY-- Double check your list. What time does the turkey have to go into the oven or grill? Prep your turkey and start your appetizers.
What is on the Brandi Menu for TURKEY DAY? -- this is our standard menu
Turkey of course on the Weber grill.
Dad's secret homemade Italian Dressing. I changed the name to Wop loaf. My grandma use to stuff the turkey with this dressing, however we make it in loaf pans as serve it sliced.
Mom's homemade dressing. She has put a little twist on it now and has added Italian Sausage and it is so yummy.
Make a head mashed potatoes.
Sweet Potatos
Corn Casserole (like corn bread)
Gravy
cranberries (for my mom yuck)
Salad with homemade Italian Dressing
NEW this year!~ HOMEMADE KIKI Bread... like GG bread!
Dessert--- My brother in law makes homemade pumpkin and pecan pie. I wonder if my friend Barb will make me a Lemon merigue pie since the whole family will be here this year!
I will make some truffles and I think I will make a Pumkin Roll.....
Need any other pointers let me know~