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Happy Thanksgiving!

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Happy Thanksgiving!! I hope you had a wonderful day with loved ones whether close friends or family!

It’s so important to take time to be with people. It seems like everything is within reach so easily with our phones that we can lose human connection in person. As someone who’s an introvert I enjoy being able to reach people with the phone but it’s definitely important to be face to face with our loved ones as often as we are able. Technology is a blessing but going back to old school is necessary for our well being too.

 

Kabocha Squash with Sorghum Stuffing

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stuffed kabocha 1 (640x362)

Comfort food in the form of something that is actually good for you. Enter winter squash! Abundant this time of year, warm and filling. Add a delicious stuffing and you’ve got a satisfying meal.

 

Ingredients:

1 kabocha squash (or acorn squash if not available)

For stuffing:

1 cup sorghum cooked according to package

1 T. avocado oil

1 shallot, chopped

3-4 carrots, sliced

1 bunch dinosaur/lacinato kale, chopped

¼ tsp. each turmeric and herbamare

Salt and pepper, to taste

 

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 400. Rinse squash and bake whole for 50-60 minutes until cooked completely. Set aside to cool before cutting in half and removing the seeds.

2. Meanwhile, rinse sorghum and cook with 3 cups water 50-60 minutes until done.

3. In a medium skillet, heat avocado oil and cook veggies with turmeric and herbamare. Cook until veggies are softened to your preference. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

4. Toss cooked veggies with 1 cup of cooked sorghum.

5. Fill each half of kabocha squash with stuffing.

6. Serve warm.

Yield: 2 servings

What’s On My Thanksgiving Table This Year

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Happy Thanksgiving this week! We will be celebrating with family and looking forward to some fun and relaxation.

I wanted to share with you what we’ll be enjoying this year.

Thanksgiving Menu:

*Greenwise Turkey (humanely raised without hormones or antibiotics, fed a vegetarian diet)

*Traditional dressing (Southern dish made with cornbread, breadcrumbs, eggs, butter, turkey broth)

*Sweet Potato Soufflé (you know the one made with sweet potato and marshmallows on top)

*Garlic Lime Broccoli (garlic and broccoli sautéed with a squeeze of fresh lime and pinch of salt)

*Roasted delicata squash (roasted whole, then sliced)

*Citrus Cranberry Sauce

*Wild Rice (healthy recipe below!!) Or you can make this other version of mine featured on Vitacost.com

sweet and savory rice (800x531)

Sweet & Savory Wild Rice (proudly featured on SloBody.com/blog!)

Ingredients:

1 cup wild rice blend (or wild rice if you prefer) soak in water 30 min to 4 hours to remove phytic acid

2 medium carrots, diced

1 medium apple, diced (leave peel on)

1 organic zucchini, diced

1 organic yellow squash, diced

Spices:

1/2 tsp each cumin + coriander

1/4 tsp. each ground cinnamon, sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Method:

1. Soak rice 30 minutes to 4 hours to remove phytic acid, rinse rice and set aside before cooking.

2. Wash apples and veggies well then dice.

3. Heat medium-sized sauté pan (4 quart) to medium heat, add apple and veggies to cook about 10 minutes. Stir often.

4. Measure out spices then add to sauté pan.

5. Add wild rice and 2 cups of filtered water to pan, bring to a boil, then turn down to simmer

6. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is done.

7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

8. Serve warm or at room temp.

 

Yield: 5 cups

Dish can be prepared a day or 2 in advance.

 

What is going on your Thanksgiving table this year?

Guide To Thanksgiving Freedom

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Happy Thanksgiving this week!

A time for gathering with family, perhaps traveling a bit, tons of food, maybe a little drama. If you’re worried about eating too much, saying the wrong thing, or not being enough, check out these tips:

  • Just breathe – take a brisk walk in the morning or jog if you’re a runner. Even for only 15 minutes, take deep breathes getting air down to the base of your lungs. Deep breathing delivers more oxygen to our muscles, tissues, and especially our brain. We can think more clearly and feel happier when our brain gets tons of fresh oxygen.
  • Enjoy a light breakfast with some tea. My raspberry pumpkin muffins are festive and filling. (subscribe to my newsletter to get recipe now). I made a batch this weekend and put them in the freezer so they are ready to bring to Tampa to share, but you know I’ll be enjoying one before we hit the road Thanksgiving morning 😉
  • Stay hydrated throughout the day, drinking in between meals helps nourish our bodies and also distracts us from getting into too many goodies before meal time. With so much food around it’s easy to pick all day and end up feeling full before the main meal then end up eating until we’re really stuffed.
  • Approach the day with gratitude and forgiveness. Appreciate everyone who gathers with you on this special holiday, we are all together to give thanks after all. Think of 3 things you love about each person and tell them at least one of those things. You will make their day and possibly their year!
  • Dress up in something that makes you feel comfortable and attractive. Do this for yourself, it will make you smile more and if anything comes up that bothers you for the day, it’s less likely to stick because you are feeling so great about yourself.
  • At the Thanksgiving meal, chew your food really really well. Engage in conversation. Focus on enjoying the company. Appreciate each bite of delicious food. Put your fork down between bites.
  • Eat dessert, you heard me right! If you love dessert, go ahead and have a slice of pie or cookie. Enjoy that dessert fully. Have it with a lovely cup of tea. Thank yourself for a joyous meal with dessert then relax about it. Take an evening walk to get more fresh air and give gratitude for all the blessings in your life.

What are your best holiday tips? Please share in the comments below.

Happy Thanksgiving to you!! XOXO

Top 5 Tips: Having A Happy, Savory Thanksgiving Day!

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1) Eat a good breakfast Thanksgiving morning. Don’t make the mistake of ‘starving yourself out’, which will ensure you overeat and then some for the Thanksgiving meal.

2) Squeeze in a workout first thing in the morning, even if you’re heading out to travel or straight into the kitchen to prepare the festive meal. Plank poses, push ups, wall sits, reverse crunches. Finish off with Dr. Douillard’s 1-minute meditation. I use this daily and it’s literally 1-minute, repeat as needed!

3) Focus on a non-food tradition or create new ones. Teach traditions or have a fun activity for kids in your family or new guests.

4) If you plan to drink alcohol during the day, start with a big glass of water before you do, add fresh lemon and cucumber for a refreshing twist. Alternate water with your adult beverages and limit to 2.

5) Eat small portions of your favorite holiday dishes – the first two bites always taste the best. Stick with this method so you can sample each and not over-do it.

Remember the true intention of this holiday is to give thanks for all the blessings in your life. Focus on the traditions and the people in your life that you love and share with them why you are grateful to have them in your life.

I wish you all a wonderful, safe, and savory Thanksgiving this year and always.